Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioning Before Shutting Down the Car in Summer?
3 Answers
You should turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the car in summer. Here is the relevant information: 1. Reason: During the operation of the car air conditioning, condensation water is produced. When the car is parked, this water remains in the pipes inside the car. Over time, it mixes with dust, leading to the growth of a large number of bacteria, which negatively affects the interior environment of the car. This is why when the air conditioning is not used for a long time, there is a particularly unpleasant smell when it is turned on again. 2. Disadvantages: When the car is parked and the air conditioning continues to run with the windows and doors closed, the air inside the car cannot circulate. If carbon monoxide from the engine leaks into the car, it will gradually accumulate and increase in concentration, leading to poisoning or even death.
I think it's best to turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the car in summer, purely to protect the vehicle's electrical system. When you shut down with the AC running, the compressor will immediately start working upon the next ignition, forcing the engine to handle both startup and cooling tasks simultaneously, which puts significant strain on the battery. Especially during hot summer weather when high temperatures may already shorten battery life, doing this repeatedly can easily lead to starting difficulties or battery drain, potentially even requiring roadside assistance. From my daily driving experience, I've developed the habit of turning off the AC one or two minutes before parking, allowing the system to gradually cool down, making the next ignition smoother. Additionally, don't forget to regularly check the cabin air filter during hot summers to avoid health impacts from polluted interior air - replacing this inexpensive filter only costs a few dozen yuan.
As a car enthusiast who enjoys studying mechanics, I believe it's essential to turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine in summer to avoid unnecessary stress on the AC system. If the compressor is still running when starting the vehicle, it can instantly increase the engine load, potentially leading to component wear or insufficient lubrication. Over time, this might cost you thousands more for a compressor replacement. A tip I learned from professional maintenance videos is to turn off the AC before shutting down the engine, allowing the compressor to stop naturally—like giving the car a short rest to help prolong its lifespan. For summer driving, I also recommend opening the windows for a few minutes to let the heat dissipate before turning on the AC. This ensures better cooling efficiency and avoids sudden temperature fluctuations inside the car, which can be uncomfortable for the body.
