It's that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere......temperatures are dropping, and most of us aren't using the air-conditioning in our vehicles as much. Winter or summer, however, it is important for the A/C compressor in most vehicles to operate on a regular basis to keep the bearings, shaft, seals, and inner-workings lubed, and the refrigerant regularly flowing through the system. This, of course, will be done if the regular A/C function is used, but also, in most vehicles, with the windshield defrost, as modern vehicles interconnect the A/C compressor to the defrost to provide a source of dry air to evaporate the moisture. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to add warm air to the A/C system (which can be done with the temperature-control *****, whether single or dual-zone climate control), to keep the system from blowing out uncomfortably cold air in your face, or from chilling down the windshield too much and causing condensation on the outside of the glass. My recommendation is at least once a week, whether using A/C or defrost, make sure the compressor runs at least five minutes or so, and add warm air to it as necessary. That should keep it adequately lubed and in good shape.

 

+1
whether at home or in the car, use it (ac) or lose it.

 

Been driving for decades in Northern Climates and this is the first time I’ve heard this. Never too old to learn. Thanks for the useful tip.

 

Glad to help.

Check your Owners' Manual. It will probably say more or less the same thing, particularly if you have an older-type compressor that is belt-driven on a pulley.

 

I wonder what % of cars today come with Auto Climate Control, performing this exercise automatically? I haven't had a car without Auto Climate Control since 2004.

 

I have lived in the northern climate my whole life. I have never really worried about this stuff and I have old cars.

 

Probably a pretty high percentage I would guess. Winter and summer I always set the HVAC on Auto at my desired temperature and the compressor cycles on and off as needed to maintain temperature, humidity etc.

 

So do you only set your temperature twice per year?

 

I have the system set at Auto virtually all year, but change the temperature as needed winter and summer. Usually it ends up between 68-72F year round.

 

Wow you are so different. I never use auto in any of my vehicles. I have always liked a manual system

 

Auto-climate control only runs the compressor, though, when it is warm enough inside the vehicle (depending on where your temperature-setting is) or the windshield is moist enough to need the defrost mode. Otherwise, it doesn't run unless you turn on the AC or defrost manually.

Actually, it's no big deal.....only has to be done once a week or so, for a few minutes.

 

I am not sure that is correct. My new 21 4R has a button in the menus to turn off/on AC when the AUTO button is on.

I do agree that it’s probably a great idea to run it

 

Good advice in OP and I agree.

However on my LS430 a/c compressor never turns off, even when freezing cold outside.

 

Late 90s Toyotas and alot of other brands with or without automatic climate always kick the compressor on the minute defrost was selected (even with the heat selection at it highest temp set point) as the AC is not soley to cool, but rather condition the air.

Is their really any benefit to do this separately at regular intervals?
I guess so

Will the compressor fail if you don't?
Probably not. I`d say those are more an age, rust, maintenance of drive belts if their non-electric units, road debris

 

Here's a good article on the subject:

https://stonumautomotive.com/running...nter-good-bad/

Air Conditioning System

Running the air conditioner during the winter will help prevent the car’s cooling system components from wasting away. This helps reduce the loss of refrigerant which occurs when the air conditioning unit is not used for extended periods of time. It also helps keep up the service life of the vehicle, reducing the need for to take the car to a local Longmont auto repair shop for expensive cooling system repairs. Those who opt not to run their air conditioning system during the winter months should make sure they at least run it for 30 minutes once a week. This will help keep the system active and fluids flowing through the a/c compressor.