Does a car need fuel when idling with the AC on?

[DelAdelyn]

A car does need fuel when idling with the AC on. Here are some precautions regarding using car air conditioning: 1. Try to avoid smoking: Many people occasionally smoke to stay alert while using the car air conditioning. However, if you smoke with the AC on, the smoke cannot be promptly vented outside the car, which can harm your eyes and respiratory system. 2. Do not adjust the temperature randomly: To cool down quickly, many people set the car air conditioning to the lowest temperature. While this may feel comfortable, it directly affects the human endocrine system. Prolonged exposure to excessively low temperatures can lead to symptoms like leg soreness and overall chills. It's best to maintain a temperature difference of 5-6℃ from the outside.

[MariaLynn]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I find this question very practical. Of course, idling with the air conditioning on consumes fuel since the engine needs to keep running to power the compressor—just like how people need to eat to have energy to get things done. I've personally experienced this: one summer while waiting for a friend by the roadside with the AC on and the engine idling, the fuel gauge noticeably dropped after just half an hour. Fuel consumption was at least 20% higher than during normal driving. I recommend regularly checking your car's systems, such as whether the AC belt is worn out. Routine maintenance can prevent unnecessary wear and tear. After all, fuel isn't cheap, so it's wise to conserve it in daily use. Prolonged idling with the AC on can also lead to engine overheating issues.

[AndrewMarie]

I usually enjoy studying automotive mechanical structures. The air conditioning system doesn't operate independently - the compressor is driven by the engine belt, meaning it continues consuming fuel even during engine idling to maintain operation. Running the AC essentially increases engine load, with higher power demands naturally leading to increased fuel consumption. Idling efficiency is poor, resulting in significantly higher fuel consumption compared to driving conditions. Maintaining this habit over time can waste considerable fuel. I recommend developing the practice of turning off the AC or switching to ventilation mode when parked and waiting, which helps protect the battery and reduces emissions that pollute the environment.

[EmilyMarie]

From an energy-saving and environmental protection perspective, idling a car with the air conditioning on does consume fuel. The engine must continuously operate to power the AC unit, increasing fuel consumption and consequently emitting more carbon dioxide and exhaust gases, which worsens pollution. Based on environmental data I've reviewed, idling for an hour consumes more fuel than driving. It's advisable to minimize such habits. Making better use of vehicle ventilation or planning trips in advance to avoid prolonged parking can help conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

[DiLucille]

From a cost-saving perspective, idling with the air conditioning on is absolutely wasteful for fuel. The engine operation cost is high, and running the AC keeps the compressor constantly working, doubling fuel consumption. I've calculated that an average car idling for an hour might burn half a gallon of gas, which quickly empties your wallet. In daily use, avoiding this habit can save significant expenses. Switching to recirculation mode or using remote start features when parked is more economical.