

Air conditioning is used both in the summer and the
winter; all year round. It enhances comfort at the
wheel and sharpens the driver’s reflexes.
This is a result of the various functions that air condi-
tioning fulfills.
Air conditioning makes for greater well-being, because:
g
The temperature is just right
g
The air is filtered
g
The humidity in the air is under control
Air conditioning makes for improved safety because
the driver’s vigilance is enhanced. It helps to overcome:
g
Irritation and lack of attention
g
Poor visibility, helping to improve the driver’s
reaction time.
Air Conditioning
well-being in the
cabin all year long
5
Vehicles are used in hot and cold temperate climates.
These notions characterise a geographical zone and
a season.
The ambient climatic conditions are measured by
two thermodynamic quantities:
g
Temperature
g
Humidity
10
In summer:
The air conditioning cools down the hot air entering
the vehicle in order to obtain the required tempe-
rature inside the cabin (usually around 22°C) and to
maintain this temperature, despite changes in the
ambient conditions (day, night, rain, sun, etc.), using
the regulation functions.
In autumn, winter and spring:
The air conditioning dries the air. This function can
be used to demist the windscreen and other win-
dows in the cabin, thereby improving safety. Ideal
demisting performance is achieved by combining
the conditioned air with the heating.