On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 16:51:37 GMT, MDT Tech® found these unused words floating about:
FWIW ... I run the A/C for 10 miles by the odometer each time I start out on a trip. That can be via the 'defroster' of plain.
You should also try and do a minimum of 20 miles of 4x4 (if so equipped) every month.
I understand the thermodynamics of running the compressor - I was more curious about what the engineers were thinking when they took out the on/off switch for the compressor which seems to be something they used to do in ALL Toyotas (at least the ones I have owned.) Simple and intelligent design features such as this is one of the things that made me a Toyota fan to begin with.
My only conclusion as to their motivation for removing the switch was that they concluded the average driver is too stupid to know he can turn on the a/c compressor to quickly suck condensation off the windshield. If they left us in control, we would all be running in to one another due to our own breath fogging up the windshields (and maybe sue them for it.) Doesn't show too much faith in the intelligence of the consumers of their product. Or, maybe it's yet another byproduct of the lack of tort reform in this country. Who knows - whatever the reason, it is a regrettable decision. Again, it has always been a nice feature that set the Toyotas apart from domestic cars that I have driven over the years.
Luther
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.