How much fuel is consumed by idling a car with the AC on for 3 hours?
2 Answers
When a car is idling with the air conditioning on, it consumes approximately at least 9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers per hour. In urban areas with the AC on, fuel consumption can vary around 10 liters depending on driving habits. From the perspective of car air conditioning configurations, there are mainly two types: manual and automatic. Generally, manual air conditioning systems are equipped with a fixed displacement compressor, where adjusting the air volume has no relation to the compressor. Below are some maintenance methods for car air conditioning: 1. Comprehensive AC inspection: When using the air conditioning for the first time in summer, it's essential to inspect the AC system, such as checking the refrigerant level via the reservoir, whether the AC filter is too dirty, or if there are any foreign objects in the radiator. 2. Pay attention to AC cleaning: Some beginners only think about cleaning the AC when its performance deteriorates, which is incorrect. The AC filter should be replaced regularly. For instance, in Beijing, spring brings a lot of sand and dust, along with willow catkins, which can stick to the filter, fostering bacteria and causing a musty smell in the AC. Therefore, it's advisable to replace the filter once every year after spring.
I've been driving for years and often find myself waiting in the car with the air conditioning on. Idling with the AC on for three hours mainly depends on the car's size and engine displacement. Generally, small cars consume 0.6-0.8 liters of fuel per hour, totaling 1.8-2.4 liters in three hours; mid-sized SUVs might go up to 3 liters. Turning on the AC significantly increases the engine load, and the compressor's operation slightly raises the RPM, leading to faster fuel consumption. I once tried waiting in a parking lot for three hours, and the fuel gauge dropped by a small segment, which roughly cost me about 15 yuan. This not only wastes money but also harms the engine, potentially causing carbon buildup or part wear. I think it's best not to idle for more than 10 minutes when temporarily parked. Planning ahead or rolling down the windows for ventilation is more economical, reducing unnecessary waste and damage.
