Does the Engine Start-Stop System Affect the Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
The start-stop system has minimal impact on the air conditioning compressor. The engine auto start-stop system primarily operates as a hot start, and its activation is determined based on factors such as the battery condition and the load on the vehicle's electrical system. The engine shuts off to save fuel without compromising the comfort and safety functions of the in-car electrical systems. Additional information: 1. In scenarios like waiting at traffic lights or in congested roads, the intervals between stopping and starting are limited, so the impact on electrical systems, including the air conditioning, is relatively minor. 2. How the air conditioning compressor works: During actual operation, it repeatedly starts and stops. It automatically stops when the interior temperature is low and re-engages when it gets hot, utilizing an electromagnetic clutch that is not easily damaged.
I drive a car with auto start-stop functionality and often encounter this issue in daily driving. When the engine automatically shuts off at a red light, the air conditioning usually stops as well, particularly the cooling function. The reason is straightforward: the AC compressor is driven by the engine belt, so when the engine stops, the compressor stops too. However, the fan sometimes continues to blow air, providing slight relief from the heat—especially in summer, which can feel unbearable. It's worth noting that not all cars behave the same; some newer models feature intelligent systems, such as using the battery to maintain brief cooling or operating at reduced capacity. After manually disabling the start-stop function, the air conditioning returns to normal, which is particularly useful on long trips to ensure continuous cooling. But there's a trade-off: start-stop is designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, so turning it off might slightly increase fuel consumption.
