Does starting the car and turning on the AC without moving affect the vehicle?

[SanRemington]

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.

[JoyFitz]

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.

[BraydenLee]

I think it's quite wasteful to run the air conditioning while idling the car, especially from an environmental perspective. The fuel consumption at idle is two to three times higher than during normal driving, and turning on the AC is like putting an extra load on a small engine. I've noticed that this also increases exhaust emissions, which is double the pollution in enclosed garages or urban areas. Short periods, like waiting at a red light or for a friend for two minutes, are fine, but if you idle for half an hour or even forget to turn it off while scrolling on your phone, that's a problem. Over time, the risk of engine carbon buildup increases, leading to higher maintenance costs. Additionally, continuous operation of the AC compressor accelerates wear on components like belts and fan motors. I suggest planning wisely—preset the AC temperature before driving and hit the road as soon as possible after starting the car. When parked, use natural ventilation or turn off the AC to save resources. Developing good habits can extend your car's lifespan and save energy.

[Brenda]

It's generally fine to start the car and turn on the AC without moving, which I often do while waiting for colleagues, but don't drag it too long. The engine needs extra power when the AC is on, so burning a bit more fuel is normal but not a big deal—usually no issues if it's under ten minutes. For longer periods like an hour, the engine might accumulate more carbon deposits at idle, making the car feel sluggish when starting, or the battery might drain faster causing the AC to fluctuate between hot and cold. I've tried napping in the car during summer a few times, only to end up with a dead battery and needing a jump-start—quite a hassle. Safety-wise, avoid enclosed spaces to prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning. In short, occasional short stops with the AC on are okay, but don't make it a habit. Using the AC while driving is more reasonable and cost-effective.

[MaddoxDella]

Starting the engine and turning on the air conditioning without moving the vehicle increases the burden on the car. When the air conditioning is activated, the compressor's cooling function requires more power from the engine, leading to reduced combustion efficiency at idle and increased fuel wastage. If this continues for an extended period, carbon deposits may accumulate inside the engine, affecting performance and potentially causing shaking or irregular idling. Additionally, the battery may also be affected, as the air conditioning fan relies on electrical power, and prolonged operation can lead to excessive discharge and accelerated aging of the battery. I recommend checking the air conditioning settings, such as prioritizing automatic mode and adjusting the fan speed to avoid high load. Keeping idle time under five minutes is safer. To prevent these issues, regular maintenance is essential, including carbon cleaning and oil changes, to ensure the engine runs smoothly under load conditions.