Does the car need to be started to turn on the air conditioning?

[Gwendolyn]

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.

[SanBrady]

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.

[MaliaFitz]

As a new driver who just got my license, I once tried to turn on the AC in a parking lot without starting the engine, only to waste my effort. Later I learned that the engine must be running for the AC to work. The cooling function relies on the compressor driven by the engine – it won't operate without ignition. While the fan can blow air, it's just warm or un-cooled air without the compressor running. From that lesson, I've developed the habit of waiting a few seconds after starting the car before pressing the AC button, which also reduces battery strain. If you're using the car on a hot day, turning on the AC after ignition provides faster cooling and better fuel efficiency – there's absolutely no need to rush to turn on the AC without starting the engine.

[McCourtney]

Turning on the AC indeed requires starting the engine; the air conditioning can only cool properly when the engine is running. Without ignition, only the fan will blow air. Safety first!

[JaxonAnn]

From a safety perspective, turning on the air conditioning requires starting the car's engine because the cooling system relies on the engine's power to provide compression. Without starting the engine and relying solely on the battery, the fan can blow air but won't provide cooling, and the battery can easily drain, making it difficult to start the car. I recommend waiting for the engine to stabilize after starting the vehicle before pressing the air conditioning button. This ensures both effective cooling and prevents battery issues. Avoid operating the air conditioning while the engine is off to save trouble.