Does starting the car and turning on the AC without moving affect the vehicle?
2 Answers
Turning on the AC in a car generally refers to using the air conditioning to cool the interior during summer. If the car is left idling with the AC on for an extended period, it can have certain effects on the engine. More related details are as follows: 1. Using the AC in summer: The engine control unit increases the engine speed by about 100 RPM. This increases the engine's air intake, which in turn increases fuel injection, resulting in a richer air-fuel mixture. The engine computer uses this method to improve engine stability. However, a richer mixture can lead to incomplete combustion of gasoline. Prolonged idling with the AC on can cause increased carbon buildup, making the engine less fuel-efficient. Additionally, when the AC is on, the engine works to reduce the heat from the AC condenser, causing the cooling fan to operate continuously. 2. If there are issues with the cooling or heat dissipation systems: This can lead to an increase in engine coolant temperature, which may affect the engine. Prolonged idling with the AC on in poorly ventilated areas or garages can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for occupants inside the car.
When I drive my own car, I often wait with the air conditioning on after starting in the summer, and over time, it does have some impact. The engine remains in an idle state, where combustion is already incomplete, and with the air conditioning compressor running, the engine load increases, leading to a noticeable rise in fuel consumption. In the past, leaving the air conditioning on for half an hour while parked would burn over a liter of fuel, which is not only a waste of money but also unfriendly to the environment. More importantly, prolonged idling like this can easily cause carbon buildup in the engine. Carbon buildup refers to the residue left from incomplete fuel combustion, and when it accumulates, it can cause engine shaking, reduced power, and even require cleaning to restore performance. Additionally, if the car has an old battery, running the air conditioning fan can quickly drain the battery, especially when the lights are on at night. So, I usually limit the time to within 10 minutes or simply drive around in a small circle to keep the engine running, which helps mitigate the negative effects.
