Does idling the engine with the AC on for half an hour damage the car?
3 Answers
Idling the engine with the AC on for half an hour will not damage the car. Here are the specific details: 1. Impact of carbon deposits: Carbon deposits can affect the fuel injector's operation, leading to poor atomization and affecting the air-fuel mixture, thereby increasing fuel consumption. It can also result in power loss, reduced engine performance, and affect the spark plug's ignition timing, causing difficulty in starting and engine vibration. 2. Precautions for idling with the AC on: Avoid idling with the AC on in a confined indoor environment or with the windows tightly closed for an extended period, as this can easily lead to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside the car, which is far more serious than damaging the car.
I've been driving for many years and often encounter situations where I idle with the AC on for half an hour while waiting in the car during summer. From my experience, doing it occasionally won't harm the car too much. The engine running at low RPM with the AC on adds a bit of load, but half an hour isn't too long and won't cause serious wear or overheating. The main issue is fuel consumption—idling burns more fuel, which hurts the wallet a bit. Also, doing this frequently can lead to carbon buildup, reducing engine efficiency over time. To avoid problems, I recommend turning off the engine and using the fan if parked for more than ten minutes, or choosing a shaded spot to wait. Overall, doing it occasionally is fine, just don’t make it a habit.
From an environmental perspective, I find idling with the AC on for half an hour quite undesirable. At low engine speeds, combustion is incomplete, emitting more carbon dioxide and harmful gases, which pollute the air and affect health. For the car itself, it may increase the risk of carbon buildup, but the bigger issue is the waste of resources and environmental burden. Although half an hour seems short, small amounts add up. I usually try to minimize such practices while driving, such as planning trips in advance or turning off the engine when resting. This habit not only protects the car but also saves money and reduces pollution—a win-win situation.
