What are the effects of turning off the car without turning off the air conditioning?
3 Answers
Turning off the car without turning off the air conditioning can affect the engine's lifespan. Below is an introduction to car air conditioning: Introduction: Car air conditioning refers to the air conditioning device installed in a car. Function: It can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety. The air conditioning system has become one of the indicators of whether a car is fully equipped. Components: Generally includes refrigeration devices, heating devices, and ventilation devices. This combined system makes full use of the limited space inside the car, has a simple structure, and is easy to operate, making it a popular modern car air conditioning system internationally.
I think it's quite common for people to leave the AC on when turning off the car. I used to do this a few times when I was younger, thinking it was convenient—how nice to step out of a cool car. But once in a supermarket parking lot, I turned off the engine and forgot to turn off the AC, leaving the fan still running. When I returned to the car hours later, the battery was completely dead—the start button didn't respond at all. In the end, I had to call for a tow truck, wasting both money and time. Since then, I've made it a habit to always turn off the AC before shutting down the engine. The fan running after the engine is off relies solely on battery power. If the battery is small or old, it can easily drain completely. Repeatedly doing this will significantly shorten the battery's lifespan, possibly requiring replacement in just a few months, which isn't cheap. I recommend everyone take an extra second to turn off the fan when parking or check the central control settings to prevent issues—avoid ending up as embarrassed as I was.
Having played with cars for years, I know that after the engine is turned off, the air conditioning compressor stops, but the fan keeps running, draining the battery. If the battery undergoes deep discharge a few times, its lifespan will be significantly reduced, especially when the fan runs hard in hot weather. I've seen many cases where a car parked overnight sees its battery voltage drop to a critical level, making the next start difficult or even damaging the starter. A good habit is to manually turn off the air conditioning system before shutting down the engine. Some cars have a delayed shutdown function, but don't rely on it. Regularly check the battery status and use a multimeter to measure the voltage, keeping it within a reasonable range to avoid surprises. Don't underestimate this issue—it may seem minor, but accumulated over time, the repair costs can add up.
