What are the effects of idling with the air conditioning on?
3 Answers
The effects of idling with the air conditioning on include: 1. Accelerating the production and retention of engine carbon deposits; 2. Hindering effective heat dissipation, leading to high engine coolant temperature; 3. Imposing a significant load on the engine cooling system; 4. Reducing the engine's service life; 5. Potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning for occupants. Precautions for using the car air conditioning are: 1. Turn off the AC switch during startup and rapid acceleration; 2. Avoid setting the air conditioning temperature too low; 3. Adjust the air vent direction appropriately; 4. Do not turn on the air conditioning immediately after the car has been exposed to intense sunlight; 5. Turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine when parking. Car air conditioning, short for the automobile air conditioning system, serves the following purposes: 1. Regulating and maintaining the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin at optimal levels; 2. Providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers, reducing travel fatigue, and creating favorable working conditions for the driver.
As someone who commutes by car regularly, I find idling with the AC on too wasteful in terms of fuel costs. When the car is idling, the engine runs slowly, but the AC compressor works hard, consuming extra fuel. Tests show idling for an hour can burn over a liter of gasoline, equivalent to wasting dozens of yuan. Over time, this can lead to carbon buildup in the engine, black smoke from the exhaust affecting performance, and increased pollution. Sometimes, waiting for kids in summer is unavoidable, but I've learned to limit it to 10 minutes or park in the shade with windows open for ventilation to save money. If you idle with AC daily, it's advisable to check for carbon buildup and clean it to prolong your car's lifespan.
In the past, I had more exposure to cars and learned that the biggest issue with idling with the air conditioning on is accelerated engine wear. Incomplete combustion at idle leads to carbon particles accumulating in the cylinders, forming deposits. When the compressor starts, the increased load makes it more prone to malfunctions. The battery can also be drained by the frequent use of the AC fan, especially in older cars with weak batteries—stalling midway can be a real hassle. I’ve developed a habit of driving the car for a few minutes to warm it up before turning on the AC, reducing idle time to protect the components. During regular maintenance, I always have the technician check the compressor oil level and belts, ensuring no details are overlooked.
