Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioner Before Parking the Car?
2 Answers
After parking, it is necessary to turn off the air conditioner first. Turning off the engine before shutting down the air conditioner can be very harmful to the engine because, during the next vehicle startup, the engine will start with the load of the air conditioner, which can easily cause damage due to the high load. The daily maintenance methods for car air conditioners are as follows: 1. Air conditioner temperature should not be too low: When using the air conditioner in a high-temperature environment, ensure the doors and windows are closed tightly, and avoid setting the temperature too low, as excessively low temperatures can affect health. 2. Do not smoke when the air conditioner is on: Avoid smoking inside the car when the air conditioner is running. If smoking is necessary, adjust the ventilation control of the air conditioner to the external circulation mode. 3. Correct usage while driving: When encountering traffic congestion, do not increase the engine speed to enhance air conditioner efficiency, as this can affect the lifespan of both the engine and the air conditioner compressor. At low speeds, the fan speed switch should be set to the low-speed gear. Avoid frequently turning the air conditioner on and off to prevent damage.
I've always been fascinated by automotive technology, and after driving various car models, I've found that turning off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine is indeed necessary. This is related to protecting the battery, as the air conditioning compressor and fan are high-load electrical components. If they're still running when you directly turn off the engine, all systems will start simultaneously the next time you start the engine, causing a significant surge in current. This can easily lead to excessive battery discharge or relay damage. Over time, the battery's lifespan will shorten, possibly rendering it useless in just three or four years, and replacing a new battery isn't a small expense. I recommend developing the habit of turning off the air conditioning one minute before parking, letting the fan blow for a while to clear out moisture before shutting down the engine. This ensures a smoother engine start and avoids difficulties starting in the high temperatures of summer. It's also best to regularly check the battery voltage to ensure the overall system's health, otherwise, small habits can accumulate and problems only surface later.
