Does starting a car with the air conditioning on damage the vehicle?
2 Answers
Starting a car with the air conditioning on can potentially damage the vehicle. Here are the reasons: 1. At the moment of engine startup, most cars have an automatic power-off mechanism for electrical appliances. However, if the air conditioning compressor is immediately engaged after startup and set to MAX mode, it can still impose a significant load on the battery. 2. There is a recommended method for using the air conditioning: before reaching your destination with the air conditioning on, it is advisable to turn off the air conditioning in advance and continue blowing air to dry out the air conditioning system. This practice helps to dry the interior of the air conditioning system each time it is used, reducing the likelihood of moisture buildup and minimizing the occurrence of unpleasant odors.
I used to always turn on the air conditioning right after starting the car, especially in summer, thinking it was convenient. But later, a mechanic pointed out that this habit actually harms the car. During a cold start, the engine is busy with self-checks and the oil lubrication system isn't fully operational yet. Turning on the AC adds extra load—the AC compressor kicks in suddenly, increasing engine strain. Older cars might shake violently, and the starter motor consumes more power. Even in newer cars, the start-stop system could malfunction. I tried turning off the AC before ignition, and the engine ran noticeably smoother and quieter. Honestly, waiting just a minute until the coolant temperature gauge moves before turning on the AC is gentler on the battery, belts, and even the AC pump—especially for cars over five years old. It's worth being cautious.
