Is it okay to run the air conditioning while parked on the roadside?
2 Answers
Running the air conditioning while parked is not advisable as it poses significant risks, including potential carbon monoxide poisoning. When the engine operates at idle for extended periods, incomplete combustion of gasoline occurs, producing high concentrations of carbon monoxide. In poorly ventilated areas like garages, this gas can enter the vehicle and cause poisoning. Below are the impacts of running the air conditioning while parked: 1. Impact on engine lifespan: Idling the engine to power the air conditioning at low RPMs reduces oil pump pressure, leading to insufficient lubrication of engine friction surfaces and accelerated wear. Additionally, low engine speeds can cause reduced intake pressure, prompting the engine to increase throttle opening and fuel injection. This results in incomplete combustion, carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, and ultimately shortens engine life, leading to issues like difficulty starting, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. 2. Impact on battery lifespan: When idling the car to run the air conditioning, the cooling and ventilation systems driven by the air conditioning motor consume substantial electrical power, as does the vehicle's electronic control system. Since idling generates limited electricity, the engine often cannot meet these demands, forcing the battery to compensate. Over time, this drains the battery's charge capacity and reduces its effective service life.
Once when I was on a long drive and felt too hot, I pulled over to rest with the air conditioning on, which felt much better. However, I later heard that it's not always safe. If you leave the engine idling with the AC on while parked, it wastes fuel unnecessarily—for example, consuming 2-3 liters of gasoline per hour, which is just money down the drain. The key issue is that prolonged idling can lead to excessive engine wear, as the engine tends to overheat without a load. Additionally, be cautious with the battery, especially in older cars, as the AC's high power consumption can drain the battery faster. My suggestion is to limit this practice to no more than 10 minutes if necessary, and crack a window for ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide buildup from exhaust fumes. In short, using the AC while parked briefly is fine, but moderation is key—saving money and protecting your car.
