Can You Turn on the Air Conditioner Directly After Starting the Car in Summer?
2 Answers
You should not turn on the air conditioner directly after starting the car in summer. Using the air conditioner in summer: When the external temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius, the interior of a closed car can reach 65 degrees within 15 minutes, causing the emission of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, etc., to be 5 to 7 times higher than normal. When you first get into the car, open the windows for ventilation for one to two minutes to allow the toxic air to dissipate before driving and turning on the air conditioner. Turning off the air conditioner in advance: Before reaching your destination, turn off the air conditioner in advance and keep the fan running. This not only helps avoid forgetting to turn off the air conditioner and starting the engine with it still running but also keeps the air vents dry, preventing moisture and bacterial growth.
Turn on the AC immediately after driving in summer? I usually don't do this. On hot days, the engine is under heavy load when it's just started, and turning on the compressor too quickly adds stress to the engine, affecting its lifespan and fuel consumption. I've experienced this several times myself—not only does the AC cool slowly when turned on right away, but the car also shakes noticeably. Now I've gotten into the habit of waiting half a minute after starting the engine, letting the temperature gauge needle start moving before turning on the AC. This way, the AC cools much faster, and the cold air comes out more powerfully. At the same time, I open the windows to let the hot air escape, saving energy. Paying attention to this during summer car use saves money on maintenance and makes driving smoother, especially during short commutes—don't be lazy and turn on the cold air right away.