Does idling with the AC on damage the car?
4 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.
As a car enthusiast born in the 90s, I always love delving into the technological aspects of automobiles. Does idling with the AC on harm the car? The answer is definitely yes—it increases engine load, especially when the compressor kicks in, causing fuel consumption to spike and draining the battery, which may lead to a dead battery and failure to start over time. When I drive an electric vehicle, idling with the AC consumes power even faster, but the upside is lower emissions. For gasoline cars, idling plus AC can increase overall fuel consumption by over 30% and also lead to carbon buildup. Modern cars come with smart climate control systems that adjust automatically, but it's still best to avoid prolonged idling. For example, during traffic jams, I usually turn off the AC and open the windows or use a mobile app to remotely start the car for optimization. Paying attention to these details not only protects your beloved car but also saves on maintenance costs, allowing you to upgrade the sound system.
From my experience, idling with the AC on is definitely harmful to the car. Common issues include accelerated battery drain and engine overheating. If the compressor runs continuously, its lifespan will shorten, leading to repair costs. Prolonged idling in summer may cause the battery to fail and the engine to malfunction. It's recommended not to exceed 5 minutes each time and to turn it off occasionally for breaks.
