i have had the car for almost a year now... never have used the a/c, except a few times to test it.
i was told by a friend that i need to run it fairly often to protect the seals. he did not know how often to run it to protect it.
anyone know how often it needs to be run to maintain it?

 

I was told years ago to run the AC for a few minutes every week. Does it sound right?

 

Wanabe, I'm in the same boat as you. I mainly keep the top down so what's the use of a/c?

The only time I really use it is when it is raining and the top is up. I use the a/c to stop the inside of the glass from misting up.

Having said this, I am not experiencing any problems (i.e. it works effectively) on the rare occasions on which it is used.

 

Mine is always on. I like it nice and cool.

 

I think you would be okay running the A/C for at least 20 minutes once a month when not used regularly.

 

thanks for the advice... will try to remember!

 

I remember reading a post saying the S2K was designed to let you run the A/C with the top dowm. I used it today for at least 50 miles (the outside temperature was probably in the 90's), and it certainly kept my feet nice and cool. I think you have to set the vent switch to the "recirculate" position.

 

Just as a follow up. Obviously, the more often the A/C is used lessens the likelyhood of the seals drying out. A/C doesn't have to be cold air. You can adjust the temperature to any setting.

 

Quote the the S2000 Manual

Run the air conditioner at leastonce a week during the cold weather months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil contained in the refigerant.

This should also apply Year round.

Axcilla

 

The AC is important for any high-humidity conditions, even in the wintertime. Set your mode control to defrost and you'll notice your AC light comes on (regardless of temp setting) to aid in de-misting the interior.