The heating and ventilation system is responsible not only for comfort in the cabin, but also for your safety — it determines how clearly you see the road. Many drivers, especially beginners, use the "knobs" and buttons intuitively, which often leads to fogged windows, unpleasant odors, and incorrect air distribution. Let's break down the key rules for setting up the microclimate.
In wet and cold weather, the windows start to fog up faster than usual, especially if there are several passengers in the car. To quickly restore visibility, you need to turn on the air conditioner, activate the windshield defroster, and give the system a couple of minutes. The cold and dry airflow will rid the windows of condensation. Owners of cars with climate control have it much easier — there is a button for accelerated window clearing.
At the same time, it is important to regularly change the cabin filter: it is the cause of chronic fogging. In winter, if frost or ice appears on the glass, you should not rush to turn on the "heater" — while the engine is cold, the fan only blows icy air. Wait for it to warm up, and then increase the fan speed. Don't forget about the heated mirrors, which help in both rain and snow.
In summer, the situation is reversed. The main mistake is to set the minimum temperature immediately after getting into a hot car. Such a sharp change is harmful to the respiratory tract. First, you should open all the doors or windows, let out the hot air, and then gradually lower the temperature of the air conditioner.
A light-colored car in a hot climate is also a good choice — the interior heats up noticeably less. If you still feel hot in a cool cabin, it is better to take off your outerwear and not turn the car into a sauna. It is also important to keep your feet warm: frozen feet feel the pedals worse and reduce control over the car.
If you smell a musty or swampy odor in the cabin when you turn on the air conditioner, it indicates the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilation system. The best measure is professional disinfection, but it is also permissible to use household aerosol cleaners. Don't forget to turn on recirculation if there is a smoking truck ahead or you are using "non-freezing liquid": the damper will block the flow of air from the street. The main thing is to then return the system to normal mode, otherwise the windows will start to fog up again.
The correct microclimate consists of several simple habits: timely replacement of the cabin filter, careful distribution of air flows, avoiding sudden temperature changes, and reasonable use of the car's capabilities — heated seats, steering wheel, mirrors, and glass. If you follow these rules, the cabin will always be comfortable and safe in any weather.
