What are the effects of running the air conditioning while the car is idling?
2 Answers
Running the air conditioning while the car is idling has no significant impact on the vehicle itself, but it does cause some wear and tear on the engine, potentially requiring more frequent maintenance (such as oil changes). If the engine speed is too low, it may struggle to power the air conditioning, and even if it does, the engine may run unevenly, leading to incomplete combustion and increased carbon buildup. Idling with the air conditioning on can also result in poor heat dissipation, which may cause the engine coolant temperature to rise excessively, increasing the risk of engine damage. Additionally, it is not advisable to run the air conditioning for extended periods while idling, as prolonged use with the air recirculation mode on can lead to a gradual deterioration of air quality inside the car, with harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) accumulating, posing health risks and even life-threatening dangers.
Idling with the AC on, meaning keeping the car stationary while running the air conditioning, forces the engine to continuously operate to generate electricity, resulting in rapid fuel consumption. I often do this while waiting in the car and notice that the fuel usage is sometimes higher than when actually driving, adding up to an extra hundred bucks in fuel costs per month. Prolonged engine idling strains the lubrication system, leading to accelerated component wear and higher repair bills. It's advisable to avoid running the AC for too long while parked or to turn off the engine to save fuel and protect the car. In urban traffic jams, the AC is often on, but one should still be mindful of unnecessary fuel waste when idling.
