Can the Parking Air Conditioner Be Used While Driving?

[OColin]

Modifying the original vehicle compressor is definitely not feasible, as the original compressor is driven by the engine via a pulley. When the engine is turned off, the air conditioner cannot function. Below is an introduction to parking air conditioners: 1. Introduction: A parking air conditioner is an in-vehicle air conditioning unit. It uses the vehicle's DC battery power (12V/24V/36V) to sustain operation while parked or resting, regulating and controlling parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow inside the vehicle to fully meet the comfort and cooling needs of truck drivers. 2. Low Voltage Protection: Since the parking air conditioner is directly connected to the truck's battery, many drivers worry about the dilemma of enjoying the air conditioner while parked but being unable to start the engine later. Therefore, the "low voltage cutoff protection function" of the parking air conditioner is particularly important.

[SanPatrick]

You cannot use the parking air conditioning while driving because it is not designed for use during operation. I often encounter this issue during long-distance transportation—the parking AC relies on the 12V battery and is suitable for use during rest stops. However, if you turn it on while driving, even though the engine is running, it draws too much power, and the alternator cannot recharge the battery fast enough. This quickly drains the battery, leading to engine stalling, which is extremely dangerous. Once, on a hot day, I accidentally left it on the entire trip, and the battery died, leaving me stranded on the road until I called for assistance. The correct approach is to use the vehicle's built-in main air conditioning system while driving, setting it to automatic mode for efficiency and safety. Switch to the parking AC only after stopping. This not only saves fuel but also protects the electrical system. I recommend checking the manual to confirm the proper settings.

[McSavannah]

As a car enthusiast, I have to say that the parking air conditioner should not be used while driving. It operates by independently running the compressor through the battery, making it suitable for parking scenarios. When the engine is running while driving, the main air conditioner is driven by the belt system, which is more efficient. Forcing the parking mode while driving can cause battery over-discharge, leading to voltage fluctuations that may blow fuses or damage the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). I've seen several cars with electrical faults caused by this. It's advisable to activate the parking air conditioner only when the vehicle is stationary. While driving, simply adjust the temperature and airflow as needed. Regular maintenance of the battery and wiring can help prevent such issues.

[DeEmiliano]

I have an RV that I often take on trips. The parking air conditioning works great when parked, but never turn it on while driving. It drains the battery too quickly, and even running the engine for hours won't recharge it enough. My wife accidentally pressed it once, and after just half an hour of driving, the entire vehicle lost power on the highway, causing a huge hassle. For daily driving, use the standard air conditioning system—just turn the knob to adjust the temperature, and it works automatically. This is both safe and worry-free, and it also extends the battery life. Remember, the parking air conditioning is only for picnics or camping.

[JustinLynn]

When I first started learning to drive, I was curious if the parking air conditioning could be left on all the way. My instructor immediately said no. It relies on the battery for cooling when parked, but when the car is moving, the engine drives the main air conditioning compressor, which is more efficient. Forcing it to run can overload the electrical system, causing short circuits or even system errors. Beginners should develop the habit—turn off the parking mode before starting and just use the main controls. Simple and practical to prevent problems.