Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioning When Exiting the Car?
2 Answers
Yes, you should. Failing to turn off the air conditioning can cause significant damage to the car's engine. Here are some precautions regarding air conditioning usage: 1. Select the appropriate fan speed: During normal operation, to prevent excessive frosting of the evaporator, which can affect the air conditioning system's performance, avoid setting the air speed and temperature control to the lowest settings for extended periods. 2. Adjust correctly: Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, the correct adjustment method is "when using the cooling function, direct the air vents upward; when using the heating function, direct the air vents downward." 3. Regularly start the air conditioning in winter: Prolonged disuse of the air conditioning can lead to aging of its rubber seals, and the lubricating oil on various internal components can dry out. Regularly starting the air conditioning allows these components to be lubricated, maintaining good condition. Therefore, it is advisable to start the air conditioning once every 1 to 3 weeks during winter.
I always turn off the air conditioning when parking, mainly for environmental reasons. The AC compressor is driven by the engine, and leaving it running increases fuel consumption. Studies show that AC operation can raise fuel consumption by 10% to 20%, which not only wastes money but also emits more CO2, polluting the air. With climate issues becoming increasingly severe, reducing carbon emissions is everyone's responsibility. Turning it off takes just a few seconds, but the long-term accumulation can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. I've also noticed that leaving the AC on, especially in enclosed parking spaces like underground garages, can lead to rapid battery drain or compressor damage. After adopting this habit, my car's maintenance costs have decreased, making it more economical overall.
