Does leaving the air conditioning on without turning off the engine affect the car?
4 Answers
Leaving the air conditioning on without turning off the engine does affect the car. The main impact is: The bad habit of not turning off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine will cause the vehicle to start with the air conditioning compressor the next time it is started, increasing the load, which can cause some damage to the engine over time. Additional information: The correct approach should be as follows: Turn off the air conditioning a few minutes before reaching the destination, while keeping the blower running. This allows the moisture on the condenser to evaporate, ensuring relative dryness within the air conditioning system, thereby reducing bacterial growth and odor formation. The air conditioning should also be turned on only after the engine has started.
To be honest, leaving the engine running with the air conditioning on is really not good. As someone who has been driving for decades, I can tell you that when the engine idles, the combustion efficiency is low, which easily leads to carbon buildup. Over time, this increases wear on components like the piston rings, shortening the engine's lifespan. Fuel consumption also skyrockets, wasting roughly 1-2 liters of fuel per hour—burning money and resources for nothing. Even worse is the battery issue: the air conditioning compressor consumes electricity quickly when running, but the alternator charges slowly at idle, which can lead to a dead battery and failure to start. It's best not to make it a habit. For short stops, you can roll down the windows for ventilation or simply turn off the engine to save trouble. Protecting your car's condition in the long run means protecting your wallet.
As an average car owner, I think keeping the engine running with the AC on is just burning money. Idling the engine while running the air conditioner immediately increases fuel consumption, costing over ten yuan more per hour in gas. Add potential maintenance costs, and it's a huge loss. The environmental impact is also significant, with increased exhaust emissions polluting the air. When waiting, I usually turn off the engine or use an electric fan instead of the AC—it's both eco-friendly and economical. Doing it occasionally is fine, but don't make it a habit. Maintaining your car well extends its lifespan, and the money saved on gas can keep you driving much longer. That's a good deal, right?
Safety risks are the biggest concern. Leaving the engine running with the air conditioning on in an enclosed space like a garage can lead to rapid exhaust buildup, with carbon monoxide poisoning becoming fatal within minutes. I once saw a news report about someone who fell asleep in their car and never woke up. Short periods in well-ventilated areas are fine, but never overlook the details. Leaving a window slightly open or stepping outside for fresh air is much safer. The car itself is secondary—life is more valuable than anything else. When driving, stay sharp and don't cut corners for convenience.
