Can the Air Conditioning Still Work When the Auto Start-Stop is Activated?

[MaximusMarie]

When the engine start-stop technology is activated, the air conditioning cannot be used. Below is relevant information about the engine start-stop technology: On steep slopes: If the vehicle is driving on a relatively steep slope, it is best to avoid using the auto start-stop feature. Although the start-stop duration is brief, it may lead to insufficient brake assistance on slopes. In extremely hot weather: When the air conditioning is running at full capacity in scorching weather, it is advisable to turn off the auto start-stop function. This is because the air conditioning requires significant power consumption, and the vehicle's electrical system may not supply enough power to keep it running when the engine is off, causing discomfort for passengers. During water wading: When driving through water, it is recommended to disable the start-stop system. This prevents the engine from stalling if the vehicle needs to stop mid-drive, as a sudden drop in exhaust pressure could allow water to flow back into the engine through the exhaust pipe, potentially preventing the engine from restarting.

[DeEmmanuel]

Speaking of this issue, I recalled my experience driving a car with start-stop system to work. In summer when stopping at red lights, the air conditioning does become slightly less effective because the engine stops and the compressor isn't working, but the fan keeps running powered by the battery; it returns to normal as soon as the car moves again. This isn't a major problem - the temperature fluctuation is minimal. If it feels too warm during prolonged stops, I manually turn off the start-stop button. The salesperson mentioned when purchasing that the system is designed for fuel economy, and brief air conditioning pauses don't affect safety. For daily use, don't worry - the air conditioning system is still functioning overall. I'd suggest checking your vehicle settings, as some cars automatically adjust to maintain comfort. Remember, brief stops won't completely shut down your air conditioning.

[ZacharyMarie]

From a technical perspective, the impact of start-stop systems on air conditioning: conventional fuel vehicles rely on the engine to drive the compressor, so cooling pauses when stopped while fans keep running for ventilation. Hybrid or models with electric compressors offer more consistent AC operation. Through using multiple brands, I've noticed significant differences: some quickly restore AC after start-stop, while others feel weaker in cooling. Designed for energy saving, but comfort shouldn't be overlooked—check the vehicle manual for system settings; battery status affects operation, ensure proper maintenance. Simply put, the AC isn't turned off, just its functionality is reduced.

[SanWalter]

When driving a car with start-stop, I prioritize fuel efficiency. The air conditioning slightly reduces cooling during brief stops but doesn't shut off completely, with fans maintaining airflow to minimize temperature fluctuations. Using recirculation mode reduces heat loss. The system immediately resumes normal operation when the car moves again without consuming extra fuel, achieving a perfect balance between comfort and environmental protection - no issues at all.