Does Frequent Idling with Air Conditioning On Affect the Car Engine?
2 Answers
Idling with the air conditioning on does affect the car. Prolonged operation at low RPMs makes the engine more prone to carbon buildup. Over time, this can lead to unstable idling and other issues that impact the engine's power performance, as well as shorten its lifespan. Below is a detailed explanation of the effects of frequent idling with air conditioning on in cars: 1. Impact: When a car idles with the air conditioning on, the limited electrical reserves require the engine to sustain the AC operation. However, during idling, incomplete fuel combustion occurs, releasing various pollutants, especially carbon monoxide, which can be over ten times higher than during normal driving. 2. Danger: If the car remains idling with the air conditioning on and the windows and doors tightly closed for an extended period, exhaust fumes can enter the enclosed cabin. Accumulation of these fumes to a certain level can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
I've been driving for over 30 years and found that frequent idling with AC on is really bad for the engine. At idle, the engine speed is too low, only around 800 rpm, leading to incomplete combustion which quickly builds up carbon deposits in cylinders and spark plugs. Over time, this causes power loss and acceleration difficulties. When the AC compressor kicks in, the engine load increases dramatically like an old ox pulling a cart, accelerating wear – piston rings and bearings become prone to problems. I remember a mechanic once told me idling for half hour consumes fuel equivalent to driving 5 kilometers, and may cause engine oil deterioration with insufficient lubrication, making repairs costly and troublesome. My advice: turn off the engine and use fans for ventilation during short stops, or park in shaded areas to reduce AC demand – this protects engine longevity and saves fuel.
