Is it normal for the engine RPM to increase when the car's air conditioning is turned on?
2 Answers
An increase in engine RPM when the car's air conditioning is turned on is within the normal range. Here is some relevant information about the air conditioning system: 1. Air conditioning requires dust removal: The air conditioning system is prone to sucking in dust and bacteria during use, so after prolonged use, the air conditioning system should undergo a dust and bacteria removal treatment to ensure the health of the passengers. 2. Working principle: When the air conditioning is turned on, the air conditioning compressor is driven by the air conditioning compressor belt, and the driving force of the belt comes from the engine. Therefore, to ensure that the engine does not stall due to the additional load in idle state, electronic fuel injection control is used, and vehicles with belt-driven air conditioning compressors will experience an increase in idle RPM.
It's completely normal for the RPM to rise when the AC is on! I've been driving for over a decade, and when the AC starts, the engine load increases. The engine automatically compensates by supplying a bit more fuel, causing a slight RPM increase, which is totally fine. In summer, when you start the car and turn on the fan, you'll notice the tachometer jump a little. I've experienced a few cases where the RPM rose too much, and it turned out to be a minor compressor issue. But generally, fluctuations around 200 RPM are normal. If the RPM surges unstably or affects starting, it's best to check for system faults at a repair shop. Regular maintenance of the AC filter can prevent unnecessary issues. Observing RPM changes while stuck in city traffic is a practical habit. This phenomenon is more noticeable in older car models, but modern cars with computer control are more stable, so everyone can use them with confidence.