Does idling with the AC on in summer damage the car?
4 Answers
It does not cause special damage to the car, but only normal wear and tear. The following are the effects of idling with the AC on: 1. Increased emission of harmful gases: Idling with the AC on emits more harmful exhaust gases than driving with the AC on, because idling is the worst working condition for the engine, where gasoline burns relatively incompletely, resulting in relatively higher emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. 2. Significant harm to human health: Idling with the AC on can cause harm or even death to people inside the car if not careful. The main harms are two types: one is hypoxia and suffocation, and the other is carbon monoxide poisoning. When idling with the AC on, always do so in an open area, and never stay in the car for a long time in a confined small space, as the carbon monoxide emitted by the car can enter the vehicle, easily causing carbon monoxide poisoning.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I must say that idling with the AC on in summer is indeed bad for the car. The key issue lies with the engine – when idling, running the AC forces the compressor to work extra, increasing engine load and causing fuel consumption to skyrocket, potentially doubling or even tripling compared to normal driving. Over time, this leads to carbon buildup in the engine and puts more strain on the cooling system, especially in older vehicles where overheating risks increase. The battery also drains faster, and frequent idling with AC can shorten its lifespan. I once waited for my wife in a parking lot for half an hour with the AC on, and afterward, I noticed difficulty starting the engine. My advice is to only use it briefly in well-ventilated areas or schedule regular engine maintenance to clean carbon deposits. Protecting your vehicle means avoiding prolonged idling with AC, keeping it in optimal condition for safer driving.
From the perspective of daily household expenses, I often worry about idling with the AC on, which hurts both my wallet and my car. In the summer, while waiting for my kids after school, I turn on the AC to stay cool, but the engine idles slower, and the AC compressor kicks in, burning through gasoline rapidly. On average, it consumes a significant amount of extra fuel per minute, causing a big dent in my budget. Over time, this leads to engine carbon buildup, which is costly and time-consuming to fix. Additionally, the battery ages faster—my mechanic mentioned that frequent idling with the AC shortens component lifespan. I’ve gotten into the habit of using it sparingly or parking in the shade with the windows down for ventilation. Protecting the car from unnecessary wear and developing good habits saves both hassle and money.
Safety is my top priority, and idling with the air conditioning on poses several potential hazards. In a garage or enclosed space, the accumulation of engine exhaust fumes can significantly increase the risk of CO poisoning. I've heard of tragic news stories—never take it lightly. In the scorching summer heat, poor engine cooling may lead to a fire hazard. It also gets stuffy in the driver's seat; better to switch to the fresh air mode for ventilation. Short periods are fine, but prolonged idling worsens both the interior and exterior environment. Protecting personal safety comes first.
