What are the effects of running the air conditioning while the car is parked?
2 Answers
The effects of running the air conditioning while the vehicle is parked include: accelerating the generation and retention of engine carbon deposits, hindering effective heat dissipation, placing a significant load on the engine cooling system, reducing the engine's service life, and potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning for occupants. Method to activate the vehicle air conditioning: Turn the knob in the air conditioning control area for cooling or heating; press the AC button when cooling is required. Functions of automotive air conditioning: Providing a comfortable environment for passengers to reduce travel fatigue; creating favorable working conditions for the driver. Automotive air conditioning, also known as the vehicle air regulation system, is designed to adjust and maintain optimal conditions for temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow within the car cabin.
Having driven for over a decade, my experience with idling the car with the AC on reveals significant impacts. The primary issue is a sharp increase in fuel consumption, as the compressor runs while the engine idles, consuming over an extra liter of fuel per hour, putting pressure on the fuel tank. Prolonged operation in this state leads to carbon buildup, reduced cooling efficiency, accelerated wear on engine components, and potentially doubled maintenance costs. The most dangerous scenario is parking in enclosed spaces like underground garages, where carbon monoxide can accumulate, risking poisoning—I’ve seen a friend nearly have an accident this way. If you must use the AC, park in an open, ventilated area, crack the windows for airflow, and limit usage to under 15 minutes. Additionally, the heavy load on the AC system can prematurely wear out the compressor, with replacement costs running into thousands. Ultimately, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits—it’s better to step out of the car to cool off.
