I just got a new 010 Prius and haven't turned on the AC yet. Should I run it now and then that it's Winter just to keep the compressor in good shape. FishHawki
Leave the AC in Auto and it will use it as needed. This isn't a seal issue, as the Prius AC compressor lacks the normal seals that dry out, but it is a matter of dehumidification. The Prius uses AC to help remove moisture from the inside of the cabin, so leave it on Auto and let it do its job. Tom
We have had our Gen 3 for a full year now, and just recently turned the AC from "auto" to "off." Our gas mileage instantly improved by 2-3 MPG. Of course, living in AZ, the AC won't be "off" for long.
If you leave it in auto, you may find that it turns on when you run the defroster. If the windshield is fogged up, and the A/C is not on, turn it on and it will defog almost instantly.
You sure nailed it about the inside humidity issue. I use the AC as needed to dehumidify, but what helps me more is to make sure I'm pulling in outside air rather than recirculating. Happy Motoring, Tom
How would you do that? By hitting the Auto button, then nothing more? And for that matter, if you hit Auto, then hit AC once so the button is lit, then once more so it is not lit, does that effectively take AC out of the Auto equation? In other words, any buttons hit after push of Auto, are taken out of Auto. And then if you hit Front Defog..., is AC is still locked out? Or does that button override? And then when you switch Front Defog off, does AC (if it went on) revert to being off due to your override, Or?? My head's starting to hurt Just to rant (more): the Owners Manual does not adress the logic of Auto very well, if at all. For one thing, it seems like the entire chapter had a search-and-replace text edit where "heating and ventilating" was replaced with "air conditioning", so that it's hard to tell if they're talking about the former, or the compressor/freon type. Ok, maybe to distill it down: does the light on the AC button always come on when AC is running? Even in Auto? BTW, that's interesting about the lack of seals needing lube with the Prius AC. So there's no need to run it as maintenance.
