What should be noted when using air conditioning while parked?
2 Answers
When using air conditioning while parked, the following points should be noted: 1. It is recommended to direct the air conditioning vents upward, and avoid frequent adjustments of the vent direction; 2. Avoid prolonged use of the air conditioning system as extended operation increases the load on the cooling system and is also detrimental to health. It's advisable to turn it off intermittently; 3. Never sleep in an enclosed car with the air conditioning running, as poor ventilation may allow carbon monoxide from the engine to seep into the cabin, potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning; 4. During summer, ventilate the car to lower the temperature before driving, then use the recirculation mode, and remember to alternate between fresh air and recirculation modes to allow fresh air into the cabin; 5. Develop good habits such as starting the engine before turning on the air conditioning and turning off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine when parking.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've learned the hard way about the dangers of running the AC while parked, so I want to share a warning. One summer, it was scorching hot, and I parked in an enclosed garage with the AC on to take a break. I ended up feeling dizzy and nauseous—later realizing it was due to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup from exhaust fumes. Thankfully, I noticed in time and avoided a serious incident. Now, I only operate the AC in well-ventilated areas like roadside or outdoor parking lots, always cracking the windows to ensure airflow and avoid inhaling harmful gases. Additionally, the AC drains the battery quickly, so I recommend limiting use to 10-15 minutes or keeping a portable charger handy just in case. Prolonged idling also wastes fuel, increases engine wear, and is neither eco-friendly nor economical. Bottom line: safety first. Regularly check your AC system for leaks or malfunctions to protect both your car and yourself.
