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Car Q&A
Q: We own a 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L Ecoboost. When we picked the car up after a recall repair, the service manager said to turn the AC feature on. He said this will always keep the interior dry and moisture-free and windows from fogging up. I never heard of this. With the AC on all the time, would this shorten the AC compressor life and reduce gas mileage?
A: There is no question in some damp areas and when the temperature and humidity are close, the use of the AC compressor will eliminate any fogged-up windows. In most vehicles with automatic temperature control and when the defroster is switched on the AC compressor is energized until the exterior temperature drops below freezing. In my own vehicles, I only use the AC feature when I need to.
- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist
