How Long Can a Car Air Conditioner Be Turned On?
4 Answers
Car air conditioners can be turned on for about 15 minutes. Introduction to Car Air Conditioners: A car air conditioner refers to the air conditioning device installed in a vehicle. Function of Car Air Conditioners: It is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to an optimal state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers, reducing travel fatigue, creating favorable working conditions for the driver, and serving as a crucial ventilation device for ensuring safe driving. Components of Car Air Conditioners: Modern air conditioning systems consist of refrigeration systems, heating systems, ventilation and air purification devices, and control systems.
Last time I went on a road trip to Tibet with my buddies, the AC was on for a full 12 hours without stopping, blowing cold air the whole way. Actually, as long as the engine is running, the AC can stay on continuously—the compressor belt can handle it. But you gotta watch out for idling too long; I once waited with the AC on for an hour, and the fuel consumption shot up while carbon built up. Highway driving is the most worry-free, with better cooling and less load on the compressor. Remember, during last month's maintenance, the mechanic said a clogged cabin air filter affects cooling efficiency. I replace mine every 20,000 km, and the airflow from the vents stays strong. If you smell mold, clean the evaporator immediately, or bacteria will start blowing into the car.
My old Jetta's AC can run continuously for four or five hours without any issues, as long as the temperature gauge doesn't hit the red zone. Last week, I drove my daughter to summer camp—a three-hour round trip with the AC on the whole time, and fuel consumption was about two liters higher than usual. It's best not to idle for more than 20 minutes, especially in underground parking lots, as exhaust fumes backing up is no joke. Once, the compressor made strange noises, and the repair shop said it was due to insufficient refrigerant. Now, I check the pressure every year before summer and clean the cottonwood fluff and bugs off the condenser while I'm at it. Running the AC on long trips is actually better for the car than frequently turning it on and off, as long as you don't set the temperature too low and make the compressor work too hard.
The duration of using the air conditioning mainly depends on the operating conditions. For my daily one-hour urban commute, I never turn off the AC button. If the engine overheating warning light comes on, you must immediately turn off the AC and open the windows to cool down. During the break-in period of a new car, it's best to limit single usage to within 90 minutes, and older cars require extra attention to belt noises. Friends who've modified their lighting should note that too many electrical additions can cause the battery to drain quickly when idling with AC on. Don't run the AC while parked for more than 30 minutes, especially for fuel vehicles in enclosed spaces - ventilation is more important than anything. Running AC with insufficient tire pressure consumes more fuel, a lesson I learned from long-distance driving.
