Does idling with the AC on damage the car and consume more fuel?
3 Answers
Idling with the AC on does damage the car and consumes more fuel. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Increased air intake: The engine control unit raises the engine speed by about 100 RPM, thereby increasing the engine's air intake. This leads to more fuel injection and a richer air-fuel mixture. The engine computer uses this method to improve engine stability. However, a richer mixture can result in incomplete combustion of gasoline. Prolonged idling with the AC on can cause increased carbon deposits, making the engine less fuel-efficient. 2. Cooling fan: When the AC is on, the engine needs to reduce the heat from the AC condenser, so the cooling fan runs continuously. If there are issues with the cooling or heat dissipation systems, it can lead to high engine coolant temperature, which may adversely affect the engine.
I've been driving for over 10 years and often idle with the AC on while waiting by the roadside. Over time, carbon buildup in the engine becomes an issue—last year I spent a considerable amount on repairs. The AC compressor is also prone to wear, especially under high summer temperatures when it operates under heavy load. Fuel consumption is noticeably worse too—idling engines are inefficient, burning fuel equivalent to driving 10 km in just one hour. My car consumes about 1-2 liters per hour when idling in the city, significantly higher than normal driving. My advice is to only use the AC when absolutely necessary for short periods. If waiting exceeds 15 minutes, turn off the engine or roll down the windows to save money and protect your car.
As a friend who frequently works on cars, I've seen many cases of idling with the AC on. When the engine is idling, combustion is incomplete, which can easily lead to carbon buildup and deposits. Over time, this may result in reduced power or malfunctions. The AC system wears out faster when operating at low speeds, increasing later maintenance costs. In terms of fuel consumption, idling with the AC on consumes more fuel than driving. An average car can burn 0.8-1.5 liters of gasoline per hour, which is equivalent to wasting fuel and money. Try to use the AC briefly in well-ventilated environments and avoid prolonged idling to keep your car in better condition.
