Is It a Problem to Keep the Car Running with AC On for a Long Time?
2 Answers
Keeping the car running with the air conditioning on has a slight impact on the engine, as it can lead to carbon buildup, causing the exhaust pipe tailpipe to accumulate carbon deposits and increasing fuel consumption. Although idling with the AC on does not cause significant harm to the car, it is still recommended to minimize such situations. How Car Air Conditioning Cooling Works: The compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor continuously compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the evaporator. How Car Air Conditioning Heating Works: During heating, the high-temperature coolant from the engine flows into the heater core. At this time, the air blown by the blower may pass through the heater core, allowing warm air to be blown out from the car's air conditioning vents.
I think leaving the car idling with the AC on for too long can indeed cause problems, as I've seen many cases over decades of driving. The engine is already running, and when the AC is turned on, the compressor kicks in, increasing the engine's workload. Prolonged operation like this can easily lead to engine overheating or wear and tear. Especially during hot summer days, if you don't turn off the AC while parked, fuel consumption will skyrocket, wasting gasoline unnecessarily. Additionally, the battery will also be under stress, and if an older car's battery isn't in good condition, it might suddenly die and leave you stranded. I usually recommend not exceeding half an hour before turning it off to let the car rest, otherwise, repairs can be troublesome and costly with parts replacement. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure both the AC system and coolant are functioning properly, as safe driving should always come first.
