What Causes a Significant Power Drop When Turning on the Car Air Conditioning?
1 Answers
When the car's air conditioning is turned on, there is a noticeable power drop because the car's maximum power is around 100 kW, while its usual power output is only 20 kW to 30 kW. When the car is moving at a constant speed, suddenly turning on the air conditioning diverts some of the engine's power, making the car feel sluggish. The impact of turning on the air conditioning is particularly significant for small-displacement cars. The car's power output directly affects driving performance when the air conditioning is on. If the car's engine has higher power and displacement, the perceived power loss due to the air conditioning is less noticeable. Conversely, if the engine has lower power and displacement, the perceived resistance is greater. Tips for Using Car Air Conditioning: After starting the car, avoid turning on the air conditioning immediately. It is best to wait for a while before activating it. When the engine is cold, turning on the air conditioning increases the engine's load, which not only consumes more fuel but can also damage the engine. After turning on the air conditioning, it is advisable to open the windows immediately for ventilation before closing them. In summer, the temperature inside a closed car cabin can reach 60–70 degrees Celsius. High temperatures can cause interior materials to release toxic and harmful gases, so it is essential to ventilate the cabin before closing the windows and driving.
