Does idling with the AC on damage the car?
2 Answers
Idling with the AC on can harm the vehicle. The reasons and solutions are detailed below: 1. When idling with the AC on, the engine not only drives the AC compressor but also maintains the normal operation of the power steering and brake booster pumps. The latter two functions are completely unnecessary when the car is parked, and keeping them running is a waste of power. 2. The fuel consumption of idling with the AC on is related to the car's displacement and even the engine tuning. According to relevant tests, for most common household cars, idling with the AC on for about an hour consumes approximately 1-2 liters of fuel, though this may vary by model. 3. Recommendation: Avoid keeping the AC on continuously, as the lack of air circulation inside the car can lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust if it leaks into the cabin, potentially causing poisoning.
I've been driving for 30 years and have encountered many similar situations. Running the air conditioning at idle does indeed harm the car, mainly because it forces the engine to operate at low speeds for extended periods, increasing fuel consumption and making it prone to carbon buildup. Over time, this accelerates engine wear and drives up maintenance costs. I remember with my older car, idling with the AC on for half an hour in summer would double the fuel consumption, and the engine would even emit black smoke. Newer car technologies are better now—automatic start-stop systems can mitigate some of the impact—but it's still advisable not to exceed 10 minutes. If the heat is unbearable, try opening the windows for a few minutes before starting the car or installing a sunshade to reduce heat buildup. In short, occasional short-term use is fine, but making it a habit is risky and wastes both money and resources.
