Aircon always on, or on/off
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
I usually turn on the AC (and ventilated seats) a few minutes after I start the car. I turn the AC off when I am a few blocks from my destination. I turn up the fan when i turn off the AC to make sure I dont have condensation in then vents (to prevent the moldy smell).
I wish porsche had the feature that Mercedes has where can keep the air circulating for a few minutes after you stop the car. I really miss that feature from my CLK 430.
I wish porsche had the feature that Mercedes has where can keep the air circulating for a few minutes after you stop the car. I really miss that feature from my CLK 430.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,035
Likes: 269
From: Bentonville, AR
I usually hit the eco button to turn the compressor off a couple of blocks before getting home. I read somewhere it gives some parts time to dry off a bit before shutting the car off. Not sure if it's true or not, but I don't have any issue with that musty smell the many cars develop from running the ac in the summer. Having the compressor off during start up puts less load on the starter, but I don't imagine that's really an issue for motors these days.
As for the A/C compressor being on when the engine is started I believe the A/C compressor is not engaged or its variable stroke setting is at zero compression so the A/C compressor presents very little additional load to the starter at engine start.
But it doesn't hurt to be safe and making sure the A/C is off before starting the engine is ok. I do it too.
Sincerely,
Macster.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I always have it on Auto. When I started the engine, the unit was completely off. Couple seconds later, the computer will decide to turn on AC or heater to get to the temp that I set. I been doing this to all of my cars that have auto climate control for over 20 years. oh, I do turned it off when I have the top down. I thought this is in the manual. I do see other turned it on and off everyday and had problem with their switch.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 516
Likes: 69
From: SoCal
I don't know about all that. In fact I don't even understand it. What I do know is that I never turn off my A/C. Never. 12 months per year. Hot weather, cold weather, dry weather, humid weather. Top up, top down, I keep it on always. Keeps my cockpit comfortable always. Never a problem with fogging windows. Excellent, modern, automatic climate control that requires no intervention by the driver. Thank you Porsche.
Can't say the same for the wife's SL55 AMG, which sometimes has the moldy smell at start-up. The Merc dealership recommended using a mold killing spray in the ductwork. Guess I'm not using the proper technique, but it's not bad enough for much concern.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From: Western, NY
Car is garaged so I'll leave AC off and drive around with the windows down. Auto goes on when the car has been sitting and baking in the sun, when wifey is in the car, or when I'm wearing a suit.
