What are the consequences of leaving the parking ventilation on all the time?
4 Answers
Leaving the parking ventilation on all the time has little impact on the vehicle, as it does not activate the air conditioning compressor during operation, so it will not affect the vehicle. Here is some relevant information about parking ventilation: 1. Meaning: Parking ventilation refers to blowing natural outside air into the car without starting the compressor. On hot summer days when the car has been parked outside and the temperature inside is high, you can use your phone to activate the parking ventilation in advance to lower the interior temperature. 2. Working principle: Parking ventilation is a comfort feature of BMW. After the vehicle has been parked for a long time, when the owner enters the car, the vehicle will automatically activate the air circulation system or automatically turn on the air conditioning system to adjust the interior temperature. BMW refers to this as the parking ventilation device or parking ventilation system.
I've been driving for over a decade and often forget to turn off the parking ventilation system after parking. Once, I stopped by the roadside for lunch with the ventilation running for more than two hours, only to return and find the battery completely drained—the car wouldn't start at all. During the scorching summer heat, it's tempting to use it for cooling, but since it relies on the car battery, prolonged operation can lead to deep discharge and shorten the battery's lifespan. It might also consume extra fuel or electricity, and replacing the battery is quite expensive, costing several hundred yuan. Now I've learned my lesson: I use the car's built-in timer to set it for just 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring comfort without hassle. Most modern cars come with this timer feature, so I recommend checking your settings to avoid forgetfulness and reduce unnecessary energy waste. Also, make a habit of regularly checking the battery indicator light—it's crucial.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I've always been wary of the hazards of leaving the parking ventilation on indefinitely. It continuously drains the car battery's power, leading to frequent charging or deep discharging, which indirectly increases fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Over time, this not only wastes resources but also accelerates battery aging, necessitating premature replacement and placing additional burden on the environment. Although the original intention is to improve cabin air quality, especially to prevent mold in hot and humid weather, efficient usage is more crucial—such as briefly activating ventilation only before entering the vehicle or using an air purifier as a supplement. I recommend pairing it with cabin temperature monitoring to avoid over-reliance on ventilation, taking small but meaningful steps to protect our planet.
The parking ventilation system relies solely on the battery when the vehicle is parked, and the biggest concern is draining the battery. A deep discharge could permanently damage the battery. The core issue isn't the ventilation itself, but forgetting to turn it off. The fan and controller are also prone to wear, increasing the likelihood of repairs. I've studied the car's electronic systems, which actually have a built-in timed protection feature—check the manual to set up auto-shutdown. For short stops, running it for just a few minutes is sufficient to avoid voltage drops. Remind yourself to develop a habit of checking; a quick glance at the screen prompts before and after ventilation can save a lot of hassle.
