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I saw an article in the Dominion Post of 05 July 2008 referring to car air conditioning.

It states "In Britain, where drivers really don't understand air-conditioning, they are switching their systems off for months at a time during the fuel crisis and risking huge repair bills as a result, according to British warranty specialists Warranty Direct. They say air-con should be turned on at least once per week to help keep the systems' seals and belts working properly and reduce the build up of fungal spores, which multiply within a car's ventilation system while it isn't being used."

Looking in my car's manual I saw no mention or recommendation relating to the regular use of air-conditioning to keep the systems working and clean.

Doug

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Yes I can agree with most of the comments made. Not so sure about the build up of fungal spores due to inactivity as the sole reason for this problem, as in my experience this can happen with systems that are used on a regular basis as well.

Many of the newer cars have what is called a pollen filter to help stop the build up of pollens, dust and mould. These filters are replaced at recommended periods during regular servicing.

Keeping the system off for long periods can cause the compressor seal to leak the internal refrigerant gas to the atmosphere and in a worst case scenario cause damage to the seal itself when the system is eventually switched on. Seals like this are designed to work best with the system operating on a regular basis.

Air conditioning has some major benefits in the winter as well. It is great for demisting the front windscreen on those cold mornings.

I for one, very rarely turn my A/C off and try and save fuel by the way I drive (use of the throttle etc) or reduce my time in the car as much as possible.