Does Turning on the AC When the Engine is Cold Affect the Engine?

[StJeremiah]

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.

[DelNora]

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.

[Maximus]

As a seasoned driver, I've experienced many scenarios of turning on the AC with a cold engine. There is indeed an impact, but it's not a major issue. During the cold start phase, the engine is working hard to warm up, and activating the compressor adds extra load. Compressing refrigerant requires additional power, leading to temporary increased fuel consumption and slight vibrations. I've noticed that especially smaller displacement engines are more sensitive, feeling slightly sluggish when starting with the AC on. My advice is not to rush turning on the AC in hot weather. First, open the windows for ventilation to dissipate heat, then wait for the car to run for a minute or two before activating the AC. I've maintained this habit for ten years, and my car's engine has remained in excellent condition without major failures. Neglecting this small detail might lead to increased repair costs in the future.

[PaulFitz]

I asked this question when I first started learning to drive. Using the air conditioning when the engine is cold can affect it—simply put, it adds stress. When the engine is cold, the oil hasn't warmed up sufficiently, leading to poorer lubrication. Turning on the AC forces the compressor to work, making the engine exert more effort to power it, which slightly increases wear risk. In most cases, it's fine, but making it a habit could accelerate engine aging. My advice is to wait a bit after starting the car—let the RPM stabilize before turning on the AC. This small adjustment can help protect your car in the long run.