Does turning the car air conditioning to maximum affect the car?

[AthenaMarie]

Car air conditioning settings can impact fuel consumption. Below is an introduction to how air conditioning settings relate to fuel consumption: 1. Blower: The fan speed does not actually affect the workload of the compressor but is related to the blower. Higher fan speeds mean the blower operates at a higher power, while lower fan speeds reduce the blower's power. However, the overall power consumption of the blower is relatively low, so the difference in power usage between the highest and lowest settings is minimal, resulting in a negligible impact on fuel consumption. 2. Variable displacement compressor: Lower air conditioning temperatures will definitely increase fuel consumption, and the correlation between temperature settings and fuel consumption is quite noticeable. For a variable displacement compressor, when the temperature is set lower, the compressor must maintain a high displacement state for longer periods, leading to higher fuel consumption. Conversely, when the temperature is set higher, the compressor can reduce its displacement, decreasing the engine load and lowering fuel consumption.

[PhoebeDella]

I've been driving for most of my life and I think running the AC at maximum has significant impacts on the car. The biggest issue lies with the compressor, which is like the cooling heart of the car. When set to maximum, the compressor has to work extremely hard, creating high pressure that leads to wear and tear, or even premature failure. In hot summer weather, you might be eager to cool down quickly, but this also puts extra strain on the engine, noticeably reducing power, especially when climbing hills or overtaking. I've also observed a sudden increase in fuel consumption. After several tests, running the AC at maximum for an hour can burn an extra 1-2 liters of fuel, which really isn't cost-effective. Additionally, the electrical system can't handle it either. Frequent high-intensity usage drains the battery too quickly, and older car batteries can easily become insufficient. So, I always remind my friends to start with maximum cooling for three to five minutes after getting in the car, then switch to medium settings. This protects the car and saves money.

[McEmilio]

I just got my driver's license not long ago, and while driving the family's small car, I noticed that turning the air conditioning to maximum really affects the car's performance. The power noticeably drops, especially when accelerating from a standstill—the engine noise becomes alarmingly loud, and it feels like the car can barely move. The impact on fuel consumption is most obvious. I've recorded it with an app: on the highway, using max AC burns nearly 15% more fuel compared to the normal setting, adding up to dozens of dollars in extra fuel costs per month. The compressor works too aggressively at high settings, making it prone to overheating and malfunctions. Once, during a long drive, the compressor's cooling slowed down significantly, clearly due to wear from overuse. Additionally, excessive cold air in the car can be uncomfortable, making your face feel stiff. I recommend using auto mode or setting a reasonable temperature—this makes the car more durable and gives you peace of mind while driving.

[SanMalachi]

From a technical perspective, running the AC at maximum does have negative impacts on the vehicle. The compressor operating under high load tends to overheat and wear out faster, shortening its service life. Increased engine burden leads to reduced power output, acceleration difficulties, and higher fuel consumption. The electrical system faces greater pressure, potentially causing voltage instability, with older vehicles particularly prone to battery drain. Frequent compressor cycling also consumes more electricity, affecting overall vehicle efficiency. It's recommended to maintain temperatures around 25-27°C to reduce stress and have the AC system inspected during maintenance to prevent malfunctions.