Can I turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the car in summer?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the car in summer. Here is the relevant information: Reasons not to turn on the air conditioning: It is not advisable to turn on the air conditioning right after starting the car, as this will increase the load on the engine when it has just started, leading to higher fuel consumption. After the engine is running normally, it can better support the operation of the air conditioning compressor. Best practice: Open the doors or windows to allow air circulation for a while before starting the car, then wait about a minute before turning on the air conditioning. In summer, it is generally better to turn on the air conditioning after the car has started moving.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the car gets unbearably hot when you first get in during summer, but don't rush to turn on the AC right after starting. When the engine is cold, the lubricant hasn't fully circulated yet, and turning on the compressor can cause a jarring noise, which may damage the pulley. It's recommended to roll down the windows for ventilation for about 2 minutes first, then press the AC button once the tachometer stabilizes at around 800 RPM. Last week, my neighbor had to replace their compressor due to this issue, costing over two thousand yuan. Also, remember to check the cabin air filter—when it's clogged, cooling efficiency drops and fuel consumption increases. Handling it this way protects the engine while cooling the car quickly.
