Can I turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the car in summer?

[Saul]

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.

[LaJoel]

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.

[SanBrielle]

In summer, when a car is exposed to the sun, the interior can feel like a steamer. Many people habitually turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the car, but this is actually not ideal. When the engine has just started, lubrication is insufficient, and turning on the air conditioning right away increases the load, leading to abnormal wear. It's best to wait about 30 seconds to allow the engine oil to circulate before turning on the air conditioning and switching to recirculation mode to speed up cooling. Additionally, avoid directing the air vents straight at people, and set the temperature to around 22 degrees for optimal comfort to prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause colds. During regular maintenance, remember to clean the condenser, as accumulated dust can reduce cooling efficiency.

[MacDakota]

It's fine to turn on the AC immediately after starting a new car, but you should be cautious with older vehicles. The instant current surge during engine startup combined with AC compressor operation may drain the battery. Recommended practice: turn the key to the second position to power on, first activate the blower fan, then wait 20 seconds after engine operation before engaging cooling. Particularly for turbocharged engines in German cars, excessive load may trigger warning lights. Additionally, high AC line pressure could activate protection mechanisms - waiting for stable idle is safest.