Back in the early 1900s, vehicles weren’t equipped with heat and air conditioning. Automotive air conditioning didn’t come into play until the late 1930s, and vehicle heating systems didn’t become common until the 1950s or so. In the early days, those were considered luxury add-ons. Today, of course, we’ve come to expect them, and they’re standard equipment.
Obviously, heat and air conditioning help keep us comfortable when we’re on the road. Without them, braving the sweltering heat and numbing cold would be a miserable experience, especially on long trips. Many people don’t realize, though, that their vehicles’ heating and air conditioning systems serve far more roles than providing basic comfort. Because of that, keeping them working properly with auto repair in Warren & Clinton Township, MI is essential.
Safety Considerations
For one, automotive heating and air conditioning can help keep drivers safe. Your defrosters are a part of these systems. They keep your windows clear when moisture and differences in temperatures between the interior and the exterior of your vehicle cause them to fog up. In winter, your heater and defrosters can help keep your windows from freezing over while you’re driving as well. Both of those factors improve your field of vision so you can more easily see the road, traffic signs and lights, pedestrians, and any hazards that might lie ahead of you.
Besides that, extreme heat or cold can detract from your ability to focus on the road and operate a vehicle safely. At the very least, if your fingers are numb from the cold, you may not be able to steer and react to sudden dangers with your usual dexterity. In extreme heat, even with the windows down, you might experience dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, heightened anxiety, and certain other problems that could affect your safety.
Improving Air Quality
Your heating and air conditioning systems improve air quality inside your vehicle as well. Dust, road grime, pollen, and other airborne particles enter vehicles through any number of tiny openings. You’re also exposed to emissions from other vehicle while you’re in your car. Fortunately, your climate control system draws air through a cabin air filter, which is probably located behind your glove box, to eliminate many of those harmful substances.
Protecting Your Vehicle’s Interior
Additionally, you’re heating and air conditioning systems protect your vehicle’s interior. Humidity and extreme temperatures can take a toll on the dashboard, console, and other interior panels, making them warp and crack. Heat and moisture can cause the headliner to droop as well. In some cases, extreme heat can even cause the adhesive holding rearview mirrors in place to turn loose. Furthermore, the elements can have a negative impact on the electronics in your vehicle. Heating and air conditioning keeps those factors under control and prevents the damage they can cause.
Heating and Air Conditioning: More Than Just Comfort
Heating and air conditioning definitely makes vehicles more comfortable to ride in. Behind the scenes, though, these systems do far more than that. They contribute to your safety in several ways. They also help keep your vehicle’s interior looking new for longer and aid in keeping your electronics working properly. With all that being the case, keeping your vehicle’s climate control system in top-notch condition is crucial.
