Can You Turn on the Air Conditioning Immediately After Starting the Car in Summer?
2 Answers
No. This is because the engine has not yet been properly lubricated and has not reached its normal operating temperature. Turning on the air conditioning increases the engine load. Here is some relevant information: Do not smoke when the air conditioning is on inside the car: Some car owners may open the air conditioning and light a cigarette when they stop to rest or wait for someone in the car, thinking it feels refreshing. However, with the windows and doors closed, the smoke cannot escape quickly, causing other passengers to inhale secondhand smoke. Do not turn on the air conditioning immediately upon entering the car: When the weather outside is hot, the inside of the car can be even hotter. Many car owners' first instinct may be to turn on the air conditioning as soon as they get in. This not only results in poor cooling efficiency but also increases the pressure on the engine during its initial operation, causing some wear and damage to the engine. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait a few minutes after starting the car before turning on the air conditioning.
Having driven for over a decade, I've learned that turning on the AC immediately after starting the car in summer isn't ideal. When the engine is still cold, suddenly running the compressor at full load puts extra strain on it—it feels like the car is laboring to catch its breath. It's better to roll down the windows for ventilation for a minute or two first, waiting until the coolant temperature gauge shows slight movement before pressing the AC button. This way, cooling becomes more efficient faster while being gentler on the engine. For cars parked under direct sunlight, you can also blast the fan at maximum speed for about half a minute first to expel the hot, humid air trapped in the AC ducts—this ensures the air blown out is refreshingly cool. However, some newer models now come with delayed AC startup features, making these precautions less necessary.
