Does Water Entering the Car Air Conditioner Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
Small amounts of water entering the car air conditioner will not have any impact. Here are some precautions for using the car air conditioner: 1. Avoid using the air conditioner during low-speed driving: Using the air conditioner at this time will cause the engine to operate at higher RPMs, shortening the lifespan of both the engine and the air conditioner compressor. 2. Keep the air intake unobstructed: When placing items, avoid blocking the air intake. If the intake is blocked, airflow in the air conditioning system will be hindered. 3. Clean the air vents regularly: Dust tends to accumulate in the vents. Regular cleaning can prevent odors and ensure good air quality inside the car. 4. Avoid turning off the air conditioner after shutting down the engine: Turning off the air conditioner only after shutting down the engine means the next time the vehicle starts, the engine will bear the load of the air conditioner, increasing the engine's burden. High-load operation can damage the engine. When using the air conditioner again, it's best to wait two or three minutes after starting the vehicle before turning on the air conditioner.
One time during a heavy rainstorm, I drove through a flooded area, and later my car's air conditioning started acting up. Water getting into the AC system is no small matter—the most obvious sign was the musty smell and damp air blowing from the vents. The mechanic told me that metal components in the AC system, like the blower motor and evaporator core, can easily rust when exposed to water, and electrical connectors might short-circuit. The biggest headache is the evaporator core—it's in a spot that's hard to dry completely, and over time, mold can grow, blowing out air full of mold spores. If the water damage is severe, the entire dashboard might need to be removed for repairs, and the cost could be as much as replacing the whole AC system. My advice: try to avoid deep puddles on rainy days, and if your AC acts strange after driving through water, get it checked and fixed ASAP.