How Long Can the Car Air Conditioner Be Turned On?
2 Answers
It is advisable to keep it on for about 15 minutes. Prolonged use may lead to poor heat dissipation and damage to the car engine. Here are some relevant details: 1. Hazards: In relatively enclosed environments, such as garages, it may cause carbon dioxide poisoning. It is best to turn on the air conditioner in open or well-ventilated areas and leave a small window gap. When the car is parked, the engine operates at idle speed with low RPM, resulting in low intake pressure. In this case, the engine will increase the throttle opening, thereby increasing fuel injection. 2. Precautions for using the car air conditioner: Shortly after entering the car, you should open the windows or turn on the external circulation ventilation system to introduce fresh air. Do not drive for long periods with closed windows and doors, and never sleep or rest for extended periods in a sealed car.
How long you can run your car's air conditioning mainly depends on your engine's condition and driving circumstances. After starting the car, the AC can typically run continuously for several hours or even a full day without issues—like during my last long road trip to the coast, where I ran the AC for over four hours straight, and the cooling stayed strong. However, be cautious when parked—avoid idling the engine with the AC on for too long (e.g., over 15 minutes), as it drastically increases fuel consumption, risks carbon buildup, or even carbon monoxide leaks, making it unsafe. For EVs, the AC relies on the battery and lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, but drains it quickly. Overall, AC systems are built tough, but avoid prolonged use in extreme heat or traffic jams for days without turning it off. My advice: don’t skip regular maintenance (like cleaning filters) to extend its lifespan and save money.
