What are the reasons for insufficient power when the air conditioning is turned on?
3 Answers
Possible reasons: engine carbon deposits, spark plug failure issues, low fuel quality. Below is the relevant introduction: 1. Spark plug: The spark plug is an important component of the gasoline engine ignition system. It introduces high voltage electricity into the combustion chamber and causes it to jump across the electrode gap to generate a spark, thereby igniting the combustible mixture in the cylinder. It mainly consists of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. 2. Engine carbon deposits: During engine operation, unsaturated olefins and gums in the fuel produce a coking-like substance under high temperature conditions.
I've encountered insufficient power when the AC is on many times, mainly because the engine has to additionally drive the compressor. The compressor is like a high-power electrical appliance, taking away a portion of the energy, resulting in reduced power output to the wheels. Especially in older cars, where there might be wear inside the engine, such as in the cylinders, or issues with the ignition system, the burden becomes more noticeable. I've driven cars over ten years old uphill with the AC on, and it felt like stepping on cotton. It's advisable to do a comprehensive check before long summer drives to ensure the spark plugs and fuel injection are functioning properly, minimizing power loss. Regular maintenance like changing the oil and cleaning the intake pipes is also important to improve overall efficiency, so the car doesn't feel too sluggish with the AC on. In short, this isn't a major fault, but don't delay addressing it as it can affect driving safety.
Turning on the air conditioning draws a significant amount of current, which increases the electrical load. I've noticed that when the battery is aging or there's poor contact in the wiring, the compressor's operation can easily cause a voltage drop, leading to the ignition system struggling to keep up, resulting in sluggish performance. The solution is to check the health of the battery—replace it promptly if the voltage is insufficient. Also, inspect whether the compressor's belt is loose; tightening it can reduce power loss. Modern cars are designed to automatically adjust, but during daily driving under high temperatures and heavy loads, neglecting these details can make acceleration feel laborious. Make it a habit to regularly use a multimeter to check the stability of the electrical system, preventing the air conditioning from becoming a burden. A safe driving tip: avoid turning on the air conditioning when starting the car; wait until the speed stabilizes before activating it.
