Does prolonged idling with air conditioning on in summer affect the car?
4 Answers
Prolonged idling with air conditioning on does not affect the car's performance, it just consumes more fuel, but it can be harmful to human health, potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are the hazards of running the air conditioning while parked: 1. Running the air conditioning with the engine off: Using the air conditioning or other electrical devices (multimedia, headlights, cigarette lighter, phone charging, etc.) while the engine is off puts excessive load on the battery. Over time, this can easily drain the battery, making it difficult to start the car, and can also cause damage to the battery. The battery simply "drains" when the engine is off, which is not worth the cost. 2. Running the air conditioning at idle: If the air conditioning is on while the car is idling, it is recommended not to leave the car idling for too long. "Idling" means the engine is "working but not moving," where the engine only needs to overcome the friction resistance of its internal components without generating any output power. This leads to incomplete fuel combustion, which can easily cause carbon deposits in the cylinders and on the throttle valve.
Last summer, I took a nap in my car with the air conditioning on for over two hours. When I woke up, I felt dizzy and nauseous. Later, I learned that running the AC for a long time while parked can severely drain the battery and may even cause engine overheating or malfunctions, especially during the hot summer months when the engine is prone to overworking and producing more exhaust, including dangerous carbon monoxide. If the car is well-sealed, these exhaust fumes can accumulate inside, potentially leading to poisoning—I almost had a close call. Since then, I’ve never dared to rest with the AC on for extended periods. I’d rather find shade under a tree or go to a café. Safety first, and it’s also important to consider the wear and tear on the car itself, like increased fuel consumption and damage to the engine’s lifespan.
I'm someone who really cares about car maintenance. I once tried waiting for a friend in a parking lot with the AC on for half an hour in summer, and clearly felt the engine noise getting louder and the fuel gauge dropping faster. Keeping the AC on while idling for a long time causes the engine to run inefficiently, increasing wear and making it prone to overheating. The battery may also get damaged due to prolonged discharge, shortening its lifespan. The AC compressor is under too much load and is more likely to malfunction, leading to expensive repair costs. Now, if I have to wait for a long time, I turn off the engine, step out for some air, and make do with a fan or a fan app on my phone. It saves money and protects the car from breaking down halfway, which would be a huge hassle.
Summer heat is unbearable, and while the air conditioning feels great, it hurts the wallet. I calculated last time that running the AC while parked for an hour can burn through two to three liters of fuel. Keeping the AC on for long periods while parked is like a money pit and also increases maintenance costs—like the engine and battery aging faster and needing replacement sooner. If you're stuck in a traffic jam on the highway for hours, the fuel consumption becomes even more outrageous. I've learned to check traffic conditions with an app before driving to avoid peak hours or take breaks in the shade with cold drinks. Saving where I can and being more eco-friendly by burning less fuel and reducing air pollution.
