Car optionsAir conditioning and climate control

Mini One: worth more with air conditioning

Air conditioning

For many of us, air conditioning is a must-have car option. Not only is it a godsend on scorching summer days, it can also help to keep your windows frost- and mist-free in wintry weather. But does air conditioning add value when it comes to selling your car?

How air conditioning affects resale values

Vehicle valuation specialists CAP told us air conditioning and climate control are among the handful of optional extras that help to boost cars’ resale values.

An 06-plate, 1.6-litre Mini One with 30,000 miles on the clock, for example, will be worth £280 more if it is fitted with automatic air conditioning.

Air conditioning should be used frequently throughout the year

And aside from the money, you should consider the fact that buyers are much more likely to choose a used car with air-conditioning over one without.

Air conditioning and climate control FAQs

What’s the difference between air conditioning and climate control?

Whereas air conditioning continues to cool (or warm) the inside of a car until the driver alters the settings, climate control acts more like a thermostat, making automatic adjustments to fan speed and temperature to ensure the car’s ‘climate’ remains constant.

What is a ‘dual-zone’ or ‘four-zone’ climate control system?

Climate control lets you choose the temperature

With dual-zone climate control, the driver and front-seat passenger can each choose different temperature settings – creating two separate ‘climates’ in the same car. Four-zone climate control allows this split to continue even further, with each passenger (except the person in the middle seat) choosing their own temperature and fan speed.

How often should I use my air conditioning?

Air conditioning should be checked and used frequently throughout the year (even in cold, winter weather) to make sure pipes aren’t left to corrode.

Some modern cars will automatically turn on the air conditioning when you set off in icy conditions. Leave it to run for half an hour or so; it will help defrost the car and keep things moving so the air conditioning works smoothly when summer rolls around.

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