I've heard that the A/C should be run once in a while to make sure the lubricant inside the system is circulated and coating all the internal parts. I rarely ever use the A/C and when I do it's just to 'get it moving' for a bit. Supposedly not using the A/C will cause O rings and other parts to start to leak. I have removed the lead on the defrost mode selector that causes the A/C to engage when in Defrost mode so I could theoretically go a year without using it.

Any thoughts on this?

 

Yes. Do not try to out think Honda. They had a reason for wiring it the way they did. Running occasionally in defrost mode likely kept everything working.

 

In defrost mode, you want dry hot air hitting the windshield. In most cases, the way to get dry air is to run the ac. It's not set that way to lube the O rings.

 

Ditto... I agree with both posts. Don't think it's a myth. Read it in many car columns. I'm not a AC expert. Just makes sense. And just like anything else, less use means more prone to breakage and leaks.

Then again, you're in AK and I'm in CA. The AC working is a bit higher on my list than you...

 

So, if one never really needs to use the AC, is running the defrost mode pretty often enough to keep the AC system in good condition? Just want to make sure. I hardly ever use the AC!

 

The issue you can find is that your use of the defrost mode is seasonal; you won't use it all summer and fall, so its not used for 6 months at a time.

 

OK...that is what I was wondering, so to be safe guess I will run the AC sometimes in the warmer months. Just have to remember to do it. The summers here are mild enough that I generally prefer to just have the windows down. Thanks malraux!

 

absolutely, run it occasionally (every couple weeks) to keep the seals from drying out. No myth.

 

Heheh... Definitely mild... and sunny days are about a week total right? Spent some time in the Bremerton area.

Back on thread. You should be fine using your defrost. The same AC system is being used when you're in defrost mode.

 

Haha, yeah Subie, you must have been around here for the

Seattle Rain Festival
Jan 1-Dec 31

LOL BTW I bought my car at the Bremerton dealership even though I live in Seattle!

 

Great proving grounds for rust-proof warranties and learning how to drive sideways on black ice! Or should I say getting to where you're going without "ditching".

 

Sounds like I'll just turn on the A/C once in a while. In the winter it won't even engage for months because it's too cold out. I do use defrost mode in the winter but not with any need to dry the air. If that should happen I can still hit the button.

Thanks, everyone!