What Are the Effects of Running the Car Air Conditioning While Idling for a Long Time?

[SkylarAnn]

Not only does it consume fuel, but it also has certain impacts on the car itself. The air conditioning system is introduced as follows: 1. Introduction: Car air conditioning refers to the air conditioning device installed in a vehicle, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety. 2. Structure: It generally includes a refrigeration device, heating device, and ventilation device. This combined system makes full use of the limited space inside the car, featuring a simple structure and easy operation, making it a popular modern car air conditioning system internationally. 3. Arrangement: Different types of air conditioning systems have different layout methods. Currently, integrated heating and cooling air conditioning systems are widely used in passenger cars. The layout involves assembling components such as the evaporator, heater radiator, centrifugal blower, and control mechanism together, referred to as the air conditioning unit assembly.

[OArya]

The most direct impact of running the air conditioning while idling for a long time is a surge in fuel consumption. Once, while waiting in a parking lot with the AC on for two hours, my fuel gauge dropped by a full notch—calculating it, it cost more fuel than a round trip to the gas station. Moreover, the engine running at low RPM leads to incomplete fuel combustion, causing black smoke to puff from the exhaust pipe, and the catalytic converter is prone to clogging. The most critical issue is carbon buildup—my friend’s car once needed major repairs because the piston rings got stuck due to carbon deposits. Now in summer, if I park for more than twenty minutes, I turn off the engine and step out for a walk. If I really need the AC, I limit it to under half an hour—after all, the cost of engine repairs could buy several tanks of fuel.

[GarrettAnn]

The battery is under tremendous pressure! Last year, I took a nap in the service area with the air conditioning on, only to wake up and find all the dashboard lights dimmed. The mechanic said that at idle speed, the alternator's RPM wasn't sufficient, but the AC blower and compressor were consuming power like crazy. Add in charging devices like phones, and the battery was constantly operating at a deficit. Now, every time the battery life is tested, it's shorter than others'. Not to mention the excessive circuit load that can cause fuses to blow—last year, I experienced the embarrassment of a sudden power loss that left the car doors unlocked. Now, I make sure to turn off all electrical devices when using the AC temporarily and keep an eye on the voltmeter to ensure it stabilizes at 14 volts before feeling at ease.

[JadeMarie]

The AC system can't handle it. The compressor sounds like it's being forced to work overtime at idle. Last year, the abnormal noise from my car's compressor was caused by poor heat dissipation. When stationary, the airflow from the cooling fan is 30% weaker than when driving, and the condenser temperature often soars to 70°C. The high-pressure pipe gets so hot you could fry an egg on it. The mechanic said that under these conditions, the refrigerant oil can also deteriorate, leading to compressor seizure. Now, before turning on the AC in summer, I always spray water to cool the radiator, and I make sure to turn off the engine for a break if it runs for more than forty minutes.

[StTessa]

Exhaust gas accumulation is extremely dangerous. Once, I fell asleep with the air conditioning on in the garage and woke up with a headache and vomiting—later I found out it was carbon monoxide poisoning. When the vehicle is stationary, the exhaust pipe faces downward, allowing harmful gases to seep into the cabin through chassis gaps. This is especially risky for SUVs due to their higher ground clearance; CO levels can exceed safety limits in just ten minutes. Another time, while camping by the river with the AC on and windows slightly open, the detector still showed CO levels three times above the safe limit. Now, I always crack open the sunroof to create negative pressure ventilation or directly switch to recirculation mode, and I make sure to step out for fresh air every ten minutes.