Does idling with the air conditioning on affect the car?
2 Answers
Idling with the air conditioning on does have some impact on the vehicle, though it's not very significant. Here's an introduction to the related effects of idling with the AC on: 1. Generation of toxic substances: Keeping the air conditioning on while the car is parked, with the engine running only at idle speed, leads to incomplete combustion of gasoline. This incomplete combustion produces toxic substances such as carbon monoxide. If the car windows and doors remain tightly closed for a long time under these conditions, exhaust gases can enter the enclosed cabin. Accumulation of these gases to a certain level can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 2. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Occupants inside the car exhale a large amount of carbon dioxide, and in the hot summer weather, the oxygen consumption inside the cabin is higher than in other seasons. As the oxygen in the enclosed car gradually decreases, over time, occupants may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and general weakness, which are clear signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
I've been driving for over 30 years and often see people idling their cars with the AC on during summer, which isn't actually good for the vehicle. The main issue is that the engine consumes more fuel when idling because the AC compressor requires power to operate, and the increased load leads to more frequent combustion. Over time, fuel consumption spikes, costing an extra few dozen or even over a hundred bucks a month. Worse still, prolonged idling with the AC on tends to cause carbon buildup inside the engine, resulting in unstable acceleration or shaking, which affects the car's lifespan. I've done this a few times in extreme heat and later found the engine temperature rising and even burned out a fuse. Experts recommend avoiding this situation whenever possible. If you need to make a brief stop, crack the windows slightly for ventilation; if waiting for someone for an extended period, it's best to turn off the engine and step out. Remember, a car is a machine—proper maintenance ensures longevity, so don't overlook these small details just for AC comfort.
