Does Turning on the AC When the Engine is Cold Affect the Engine?
2 Answers
It has some impact. When the engine is cold, lubrication is poor, the load is high, and wear is slightly increased. It is recommended to warm up the car for a while before turning on the AC. Here is some relevant information: Cold Start Phase: The normal operating temperature of a car engine is generally between 80°C and 90°C, with some high-performance engines reaching temperatures above 100°C. The period from engine startup until it reaches normal operating temperature is referred to as the engine's cold start phase. Precautions: In rainy or snowy weather, when there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, the front windshield can easily fog up. In such cases, simply adjust the direction of the warm air to blow toward the front windshield, and the fog will clear within minutes.
Using the air conditioning when the engine is cold does have some impact. Let me explain. When the engine is just started and still cold, the oil hasn't fully circulated, resulting in poor lubrication. Turning on the AC at this point activates the compressor, adding extra load. This makes the engine work harder, potentially accelerating component wear. In the short term, you might notice reduced power and sluggish throttle response. This effect is more pronounced in older vehicles or during winter. I used to have the bad habit of turning on the AC immediately, but later noticed increased engine noise. A mechanic told me there was significant cylinder wear. Now, I wait about a minute after starting to let the temperature rise slightly before using the AC. This not only protects the engine but also saves fuel. In the long run, this small habit can significantly extend your engine's lifespan.
