Does idling with the air conditioning on harm the car?

[Julie]

Idling with the air conditioning on can harm the car. Prolonged idling can easily lead to carbon buildup in the engine and may also cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are the details: Carbon Buildup: When the engine runs at low speed for an extended period, the likelihood of carbon buildup increases significantly. This can affect the fuel injector's performance, leading to poor atomization and improper fuel-air mixture, which in turn increases fuel consumption. It can also reduce engine power, impair performance, and interfere with the spark plug's ignition timing, causing difficulty in starting and engine vibration. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Incomplete combustion of gasoline during idling produces high concentrations of carbon monoxide. If the surrounding air circulation is poor, the carbon monoxide emitted by the engine can enter the car's interior, potentially poisoning the occupants.

[LeilaniLynn]

I've been driving for over 20 years and often help friends check their car conditions. Keeping the AC on while parked is indeed not ideal. When the engine runs at idle, fuel consumption skyrockets—several times higher than normal driving—and it emits additional exhaust, polluting the air. Prolonged idling accelerates carbon buildup inside the engine, increasing the risk of component wear or even overheating, especially during hot summer days. There's also the battery issue—the AC system continuously drains power, which can deplete and shorten the lifespan of older car batteries. From a safety perspective, staying in an enclosed space like a garage with the engine running can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, posing serious risks. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling with the AC on—waiting 10 minutes is fine, but for over half an hour, it's best to turn off the engine and rest in the shade. Also, during regular maintenance, be sure to check the engine's condition to prevent issues.

[DiFrank]

I do a lot of commuting by car myself, often taking the kids out for walks. Sometimes when it's too hot, I'd park by the roadside and keep the AC running while waiting for them to come back. As a result, the fuel consumption skyrocketed, and a full tank would be nearly empty in just a few days—the extra fuel costs really hurt. Later, I got smarter and learned that idling with the AC on does affect the car. The engine doesn't burn fuel efficiently when stationary, leading to poor emissions and, over time, accelerated wear and tear on components. But safety comes first—I've read news online about people being hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning from doing this in underground parking lots. Now, while waiting, I either roll down the windows or turn off the AC and use the fan instead. If it's really hot, I move the car to a well-ventilated spot. This saves money and protects the car. A car is a tool; taking good care of it ensures long-term use. Experience has taught me not to prioritize temporary comfort.

[VonKai]

As an environmentally conscious car owner, I often think about how to reduce my vehicle's environmental impact. Idling with the air conditioning on is definitely wasteful – it increases fuel consumption, emits more carbon, and accelerates climate issues. While the damage to the car itself isn't significant, short-term use might be fine, but prolonged idling can lead to dust accumulation affecting engine performance. Through practice, I've found that occasionally resting in the car with the AC on is acceptable, but it's best not to exceed 20 minutes; making it a long-term habit is both costly and environmentally unfriendly. A better approach is to turn off the engine when parked, open the windows for ventilation, or carry a portable fan – it saves money and keeps you comfortable. Vehicle maintenance relies on daily attention to details, and this small adjustment can protect both the planet and your wallet.