Can the car run air conditioning when turned off?
2 Answers
It is possible to run the air conditioning when the car is turned off, but there will be no cooling function. Prolonged use in this state can easily drain the car battery, so it is not recommended to keep the air conditioning on for a long time when the engine is off. If you need ventilation, switch to the external circulation mode to allow fresh air to enter the car. Common misconceptions about car air conditioning usage: 1. Smoking in the car with the air conditioning on; 2. Always using the internal circulation mode; 3. Arbitrarily setting the air conditioning temperature. The car air conditioning system, abbreviated as car AC, is designed to regulate and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to optimal conditions, providing a comfortable environment for passengers and reducing travel fatigue.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I find that running the AC with the engine off is basically impractical. For the air conditioning to cool, the compressor must be running, and all this relies on the engine for power. Once the engine is off, the compressor stops, and cold air won't come out—only the fan can blow in some air, but that air isn't cold and doesn't cool you down, just wasting battery power. I learned this the hard way last summer when I tried to rest by the roadside with the engine off and the fan running. In less than half an hour, the battery was completely drained, forcing me to call for a tow truck. So, I advise against doing this. Especially on hot days, if you need to get into the car, start the engine first, turn on the AC to cool down for a few minutes, then turn it off before leaving—this is safer and saves the battery from unnecessary strain. If you really need to stay in the car for an extended period, it's more reasonable to keep the engine running.
