Why can't you turn on the parking air conditioner while driving?
4 Answers
Because prolonged use of the air conditioner will increase the load on the cooling system. The following is a related introduction to the parking air conditioner: 1. Introduction: The parking air conditioner is an air conditioner that can also work with the battery when the vehicle is parked. 2. Precautions: When using the air conditioner, the internal and external circulation should be used alternately. The air conditioner generally has an internal and external circulation switch. When the external circulation is used, the air conditioner draws air from outside the vehicle, while the internal circulation reuses the air inside the vehicle. Internal circulation can improve the effect of the air conditioner, which is equivalent to re-cooling the cold air inside the vehicle, and the effect of the air conditioner will naturally be better. When using the air conditioner to defrost or defog, external circulation must be used to be effective.
I've driven long-haul trucks for over 20 years and seen too many friends get into trouble using parking AC while driving. It runs on a separate battery designed only for cooling when parked. Once you start moving, the battery drains rapidly and the engine can't handle the load. The result? Headlights go out, navigation screens black out, brake boost fails, and you barely avoid accidents on the highway. I once tried saving fuel by using parking AC in desert sections - within an hour the battery alarm forced me to stop and call for help, costing both money and wasted time. Now I only use the main AC system driven by the engine - much more reliable, especially for night driving or mountain roads. Don't risk safety to save a bit on fuel. Regular vehicle electrical checks are also crucial - they prevent trouble and protect battery life.
As a young car enthusiast, I'm quite curious about the parking air conditioning but dare not use it while driving. The reason is straightforward: it relies on the auxiliary battery, which has a small capacity and is only meant for short stops. Using it while driving drains the battery too quickly, potentially causing a significant voltage drop within minutes, affecting the dashboard or even stalling the engine. I tested it with a meter—turning on the parking air conditioning for 30 minutes drained more than half the battery, risking a failure to restart at a red light. In contrast, the regular air conditioning is driven by the engine belt, cooling while simultaneously recharging. Upgrades might exist in modified cars, but the original system design must follow the manual. For daily trips, I've learned my lesson: I only use the parking air conditioning when parked and switch back to the main system while driving to avoid unexpected issues on the road—that’s what I call peace of mind.
I'm an office worker who usually drives a sedan, and I had a scary experience once when taking my kids out for fun. Using parking AC while driving to save fuel? Absolutely not! It directly drains the battery's energy without engine assistance, quickly depleting the battery. That time on the highway, after 40 minutes, the dashboard flashed red, forcing me to stop and wait for help. Luckily, a passerby had jumper cables to help me restart. Now I understand that using the car's AC powered by the engine is more efficient and eco-friendly. I only use parking AC in charging mode during rest stops. Remember, the manual emphasizes safety first.
