Does keeping the car running with the AC on have any impact on the vehicle?

[McZoey]

Yes, it does. Idling with the AC on not only harms the car, consumes more fuel, and affects health but also contributes to increased air pollution. Below is relevant information about car air conditioning: 1. Function: It adjusts and controls the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to optimal conditions, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing travel fatigue, and creating favorable working conditions for the driver. It serves as a crucial ventilation device for ensuring safe driving. 2. Configuration: The system is assembled with components such as the evaporator, heater radiator, centrifugal blower, and control mechanism, collectively referred to as the air conditioning unit assembly.

[EvangelineFitz]

To be honest, keeping the engine running for long periods with the AC on is really not good. I have a friend who works at a repair shop, and he's seen too many cars with problems caused by idling with the AC on. Prolonged low-speed engine operation can easily lead to carbon buildup, which is particularly damaging to the engine's lifespan. Continuous operation of the AC compressor also accelerates wear, and if the cooling system is aging, overheating becomes more likely. Additionally, the car consumes fuel like water—idling for an hour can waste 1-2 liters of fuel, which is hard on the wallet. The most dangerous part is doing this in a garage, as exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide can seep into the car through gaps. Last year, someone in our neighborhood almost ended up in the hospital because of this.

[LeKatherine]

It depends on the specific situation. It's fine to idle with AC on for short periods like waiting for someone, but exceeding half an hour poses risks. The main issue is incomplete fuel combustion during idling, leading to increasing carbon buildup that gradually affects engine performance. In summer, this can easily cause engine overheating with rapidly rising coolant temperatures. The battery also suffers - though the alternator is charging, the AC is a major power drain. One easily overlooked detail: residual engine heat after shutdown can bake electronic components, accelerating wire aging. My dashboard went haywire last time precisely because of this.

[CameronAnn]

Having driven a taxi for over a decade, I know this issue all too well. Idling with the AC on is like pulling an all-nighter at work—it harms the car and wastes money. You can literally watch the fuel gauge needle drop. Running the AC in summer puts a heavy load on the engine, consuming more fuel than normal driving. As the engine block temperature rises, the engine oil degrades faster, necessitating earlier maintenance. The cabin air filter also gets dirty quickly, leading to musty-smelling air. This is especially true in winter when using the heater, as the engine doesn’t reach optimal operating temperature, leading to more carbon buildup. My advice: limit idling to no more than 20 minutes at a time and crack a window for ventilation.