Does Running the Air Conditioner While Idling for a Long Time Affect the Car?

[DelConnor]

Running the air conditioner while idling for a long time does affect the car. Using the air conditioner increases fuel consumption, and prolonged operation can lead to carbon buildup in the engine. When the engine is running, if the gasoline in the cylinders does not burn completely, it produces high concentrations of carbon monoxide. If this carbon monoxide leaks into the car's cabin, it can gradually accumulate and reach dangerous levels, potentially causing poisoning and, in severe cases, even suffocation and death. The air conditioning system is designed to ventilate, purify, cool, and heat the air inside the vehicle. It provides a comfortable environment for passengers, reduces driver fatigue, and enhances driving safety. However, prolonged idling with the air conditioner on not only accelerates engine wear but also keeps the air conditioning system in recirculation mode, which can lead to increasingly stale air inside the car, raising the levels of harmful gases and posing risks to human health.