Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioning Before Shutting Down an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
It is essential to turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the car. If the air conditioning is not turned off before shutdown, the vehicle will start with the pressure of the air conditioning system during the next ignition, which can easily cause damage to the engine and battery, while also shortening their service life. Below is an introduction to related content: Advantages of turning off the air conditioning before shutdown: Turning off the air conditioning 7 minutes before shutdown allows the remaining warm air to dry the moisture inside the evaporator, eliminating the temperature difference with the outside environment. This can relatively reduce odors in the air conditioning system and maintain its relative dryness. Turning off the air conditioning a few minutes before shutdown and shutting down all lights and electrical equipment before turning off the engine can extend the service life of your car's components through proper usage methods. Disadvantages of not turning off the air conditioning before shutdown: This can make the evaporator damp, leading to the proliferation of mold inside the air conditioning system, causing unpleasant odors and making the air inside the cabin turbid, which can affect the health of the car owner.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and developing the habit of turning off the AC before shutting down the engine is truly important. Every time before parking, I always turn off the AC first, especially when driving in summer. This is because when you start the engine next time, the AC compressor starts simultaneously, causing a significant increase in current demand and putting extra strain on the battery. Over time, this can lead to premature battery aging or insufficient discharge, and even faster wear on the starter motor. I remember encountering starting difficulties two years ago, and the mechanic said it was due to voltage issues caused by not turning off the AC. It's recommended to turn off the AC and other electronic devices a few minutes before shutting down the engine for a smoother start. By the way, turning off the AC can also prevent odor buildup in the AC ducts, which is better for the air quality inside the car. Developing this habit can save money and hassle, avoiding unexpected repairs. Especially for automatic transmission models, the shutdown process is simple, but small maintenance details have a big impact.
As a beginner driving an automatic transmission car, I was curious about turning off the AC before shutting down the engine. At first, I often forgot, but later a friend reminded me to pay attention. Leaving the AC on when turning off the engine causes a sudden high load during the next startup, with the battery output current surging, which can easily shorten its lifespan. After checking some materials, I learned this might lead to starting difficulties or false fault light warnings. Now I make it a habit to turn off the AC and radio before shutting down the engine, and the startup sound is noticeably quieter. It's not high-tech, but for beginners like me, it's a simple and effective way to protect the vehicle and save on repair costs. I recommend chatting with experienced drivers or reading the manual to develop good habits and avoid small mistakes. By the way, in summer or winter, using natural air for a transition before turning off the AC is both comfortable and car-friendly.
