How Long Should You Warm Up the Car Before Turning on the AC in Summer?
2 Answers
You can turn on the AC after warming up the car for 30 seconds in summer. Here are the relevant details: 1. Principle of warming up: The engine piston is splash-lubricated, meaning even at low idle speed, the piston has already been lubricated multiple times within a minute. Moreover, the engine operates at high temperatures, and the entire engine casing heats up quickly in a short time. Prolonged idling wastes fuel. 2. Warm-up duration: If the time is too short, the coolant temperature in the radiator won't reach the optimal operating range (85-90°C), preventing the engine from performing at its full potential. Therefore, the standard practice is to start driving within 30 seconds after a cold start, initially at a moderate speed, avoiding sudden acceleration. Once the car is moving, the coolant temperature rises faster. The warm-up is complete when the coolant temperature indicator light turns off.
I remember when I was younger and drove older cars, I would wait about a minute after getting in during summer to let the engine warm up slightly, watching the temperature gauge rise a bit before turning on the AC. This reduced the compressor load, minimized wear on components, and made the cooling faster and quieter. Although modern vehicles have improved significantly, I still make it a habit to wait 30 seconds to a minute, especially on hot days, until the engine sound stabilizes before turning on the AC. Don’t underestimate this habit—it protects the engine, extends its lifespan, and reduces the risk of breakdowns. When parking, it’s best to find a shaded spot or use a sunshade, and ventilate the car for half a minute before turning on the AC for better efficiency.
