What are the hazards of running the air conditioning while the car is stationary?
2 Answers
Hazards of running the air conditioning while the car is stationary: Increased fuel consumption, additional engine load leading to engine wear, and accelerated belt wear. Prolonged idling affects engine carbon buildup, making cylinder carbon deposits more likely. Running the AC while idling can drain the battery. When the vehicle is stationary with the AC on and windows closed, lack of air circulation allows carbon monoxide from the exhaust to accumulate inside the cabin, potentially causing poisoning. If parked in a garage with the AC on while napping, even with windows open, it remains dangerous as garages are relatively enclosed spaces.
As a car mechanic who loves cars dearly, I've seen too many car owners suffer from idling with the AC on. The scariest is carbon monoxide poisoning—when parked, the exhaust pipe and AC intake are close together. If you're in a closed garage or using the external circulation on a rainy day, toxic gas can enter the cabin in just 10 minutes. Another pitfall is battery damage, especially in older cars. Running the stereo and AC simultaneously drains the battery without recharging, leaving you stranded in two hours. Engine carbon buildup is even worse. At idle, fuel doesn't burn completely, leading to carbon deposits on spark plugs and injectors, causing soaring fuel consumption and power loss. I once worked on a BMW where cleaning the carbon buildup alone cost over 2,000 yuan. Lastly, that gasoline smell you notice? It's the AC filter soaked in exhaust fumes—especially dangerous for people with asthma.
