I just bought a new A4 Avant and I am confused about the automatic function on the climate control. When I set the temp and the control is in auto, will the car automatically turn on the AC when needed, or do I have to set the temp and turn on the AC--after which the car will regulate the temp.<br>Thanks

kiweohu

It is automatic. Furthermore, if I remember correctly, the A/C utilizes a variable load compressor. This means that the compressor is working a lot harder on a 90 degree day vs. a 70 degree day. In other words, it isn't simply an "on" and "off" scenario. When the light is on, and the A/C is working, it may be putting a heavy or light load on the engine. <p>I like this because you can leave the climate control on "Auto" and if the A/C isn't really needed that much, your performance won't be that adversely affected. On simpler systems, the compressor drains the same amount of energy from the engine regardless of how much A/C is needed to maintain the temp.<p>Mike