Does the car need to be started to turn on the air conditioning?
2 Answers
For conventional fuel-powered vehicles, the engine must be running to operate the air conditioning, while electric vehicles can run the air conditioning without starting the car. Introduction to Car Air Conditioning: Car air conditioning, short for car air conditioning system, is used to regulate and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the car cabin to the optimal state, providing passengers with a comfortable riding environment and reducing travel fatigue. Working Principle of Car Air Conditioning: The car air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, liquid storage dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower. These components are connected by copper pipes (or aluminum pipes) and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a closed system. When the refrigeration system is operating, the refrigerant circulates in different states within this closed system.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I'm telling you that you must start the engine to use the air conditioning! The car's air conditioning cooling system is driven by the engine. The compressor is connected to the engine belt - if the engine isn't running, the compressor can't do its job. You can only turn on the fan to blow some natural air, but that's not real air conditioning cooling. I once tried using AC without starting the engine in summer - it never got cool after a long time, and nearly drained the battery. Remember, no matter the weather, you need to start the car and let the engine run for the AC to work properly. Don't compromise on safety either - always start the car before turning on AC to avoid draining the battery when the engine's off.
