Does idling with the air conditioning on affect the engine?
2 Answers
Yes, it does. Keeping the air conditioning on while the car is idling for extended periods can lead to wear and tear on car components. Here is some relevant information: The car air conditioning system refers to the air conditioning device installed in the vehicle, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety. Structure: It generally includes a refrigeration unit, a heating unit, and a ventilation unit. This combined system makes full use of the limited space inside the car, featuring a simple structure and ease of operation, making it a popular modern car air conditioning system internationally.
Running the air conditioning while the car is idling does have some impact on the engine. When the engine is idling, the RPM is relatively low. Turning on the AC activates the compressor, increasing the engine load, which may cause a slight rise in RPM and increased fuel consumption. Having driven many older cars, I've noticed that prolonged idling with the AC on can lead to higher engine temperatures, reduced cooling efficiency, and accelerated component wear. It's fine for short durations, like waiting at a traffic light for a few minutes, but avoid extended periods. You can turn off the AC and open the windows for ventilation, or slightly move the car to let the engine run. Regular checks of the cooling system and AC pump can help prevent overheating issues. Engine health directly affects driving safety, so don't overlook the long-term effects of this small habit.