How Long Can a Car Air Conditioner Be Turned On?
3 Answers
It is advisable to turn on the car air conditioner for about 15 minutes at a time. Prolonged use can lead to poor heat dissipation and damage to the car engine. In relatively enclosed environments, such as garages, it may cause carbon dioxide poisoning. It's best to use the air conditioner in open or well-ventilated areas and leave a slight window gap. When the car is idling, the engine operates at a lower speed, resulting in lower intake pressure. In this state, the engine increases the throttle opening, thereby increasing fuel injection. Shortly after entering the car, you should open the windows or activate the external circulation ventilation system to introduce fresh air. Avoid driving for extended periods with closed windows and doors, and never sleep or rest for long durations in a sealed car. As oxygen levels gradually decrease in the enclosed space, occupants may experience dizziness, nausea, and general weakness over time. Maintain air exchange between the inside and outside of the car: After purchasing a new car, it's essential to facilitate air exchange between the interior and exterior, similar to ventilating a newly renovated house, to allow harmful gases inside the car to dissipate as quickly as possible. Regularly clean the car's air conditioning system: If not cleaned for a long time, bacteria can proliferate within the system, posing health risks to passengers.
My driving experience is that the car's air conditioning can be kept running as long as the engine is on, without strict time limits, as long as there's fuel in the tank. While driving, the engine powers the compressor, allowing it to run continuously for several hours. I often keep it on for half a day during long trips without issues, but it's important to ensure the engine's cooling system works well to avoid overheating and performance degradation. The situation differs when parked—the battery-powered fan can only last about 20 to 30 minutes. Once, I left the AC on while parked to sleep, and the battery drained after half an hour, leaving me unable to start the car and requiring a rescue. I recommend checking the radiator and refrigerant more frequently in hot summer weather to maintain efficient system operation, ensuring both comfort and extended lifespan.
As an experienced driver, I believe prolonged use of car air conditioning poses safety risks. Running the AC in an enclosed space while parked may allow engine exhaust fumes to enter the cabin, potentially causing poisoning - this is no joke, I've personally seen news reports about such incidents. It's safest not to idle for more than 20 minutes; turning off the engine and opening windows for ventilation is better. You can keep it on for extended periods while driving, but monitor battery levels to avoid draining it if you forget to turn off the AC during long, fatiguing trips. Prolonged air recirculation can cause dizziness, so I recommend stopping every two hours to refresh the air for comfortable travel. During extreme heat, the compressor works harder - ensure the cooling fan functions properly to prevent sudden breakdowns.
