Should the car air conditioning be turned off before shutting down the engine?
2 Answers
It is recommended to turn off the car air conditioning before shutting down the engine. Failing to turn off the air conditioning directly before shutting down can cause damage to the vehicle. This is because, during the next startup, the engine will start with the additional load of the air conditioning, which can harm the engine due to the high load. Therefore, after parking, the air conditioning should be turned off first before shutting down the engine. Additionally, it is advisable to wait for two to three minutes after starting the vehicle, allowing the engine to be properly lubricated, before turning on the air conditioning. Below are some tips for air conditioning maintenance: 1. Comprehensive inspection of the air conditioning: When using the air conditioning for the first time in summer, it is essential to inspect the air conditioning system. This includes checking the refrigerant through the reservoir, whether the air filter is too dirty, and if there are any foreign objects in the radiator. 2. Pay attention to air conditioning cleaning: The air filter should be replaced regularly to prevent moldy odors from the air conditioning. Additionally, the condenser should be cleaned periodically, and the radiator should be removed for thorough cleaning.
I've been driving for 20 years, and developing the habit of turning off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine is crucial. In summer or winter, when the air conditioning is on, the system load is high. Turning off the engine directly and then restarting it can instantly put extra pressure on the engine and battery. I've seen a friend's car battery wear out quickly simply because they always forgot to turn off the air conditioning. Turning it off a minute or two before parking allows the system to adjust the temperature automatically. This habit can extend the vehicle's lifespan and save fuel. Although modern cars are smart, manual operation is safer. I always do this, especially after long-distance driving. The engine starts more smoothly, and the air conditioning compressor suffers less wear.