Why Does the Car Feel Less Powerful in Summer?
4 Answers
Because the gasoline in the car engine uses the same amount to supply the power for the car to move forward while also diverting a portion to the compressor, the car's power output naturally decreases. More related information is as follows: 1. Reduced Power: Driving with the air conditioning on in summer will definitely make the car feel much less powerful, but there's no need to worry about whether there's something wrong with your car, as this is a normal situation. Of course, if the car not only feels less powerful but also has poor cooling effects after turning on the AC, then it's necessary to check for compressor issues or refrigerant leaks. 2. Solutions: If you want to change this situation, there are ways to enhance the car's power. You can upgrade the car's spark plugs, as high-performance spark plugs can make the gasoline burn more completely, thereby improving the engine's combustion efficiency. This can make the car more powerful without increasing fuel consumption. Some people also choose to modify the ignition coils, but it's important to note that changing the ignition coil setup falls under the category of modifications, though the power improvement can be more noticeable.
When driving in summer, I often feel my car lacks power, mainly due to several reasons: High temperatures cause engine temperatures to soar, reducing efficiency as metal parts expand and lubrication worsens, making rotation harder. Running the AC is a big factor—it can consume about 10% to 15% of the engine's power. Like last time when climbing a hill, even with the AC on full blast and the accelerator floored, the car still crawled. Hot air is less dense, leading to incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture—no matter how much fuel is injected, power remains weak. Before summer driving, check coolant and radiator levels to prevent overheating, and mention the AC system condition during maintenance. Also, tire pressure may rise in heat, reducing grip and indirectly affecting acceleration. Overall, this is common, but regular maintenance can help mitigate it.
From my experience, the lack of power in cars during summer is mostly due to engine cooling issues: the cooling fan isn't working properly or the radiator is clogged, leading to reduced engine performance at high temperatures. Additionally, engine oil becomes thinner in hot weather, increasing friction resistance. When the air conditioning is turned on, the compressor directly consumes power, which is especially noticeable in traffic jams—I feel slower acceleration on highways. Furthermore, rising temperatures reduce oxygen levels in the air, lowering gasoline combustion efficiency and weakening output power. I recommend using higher-viscosity engine oil for summer maintenance and avoiding sudden acceleration. Ensure good vehicle ventilation, and don't turn off the engine immediately after parking—let it cool down gradually. Regularly clean dust from the air conditioning system to reduce extra load. Don't overlook these details—they add up to the root cause of your car's sluggishness.
I've experienced the lack of power in cars during summer: high temperatures cause the engine to overheat, thinning the engine oil and reducing lubrication, making the rotation sluggish; turning on the AC siphons off some of the power; the air is thinner in hot weather, leading to insufficient oxygen intake and poor combustion. I remember one time traveling on a scorching day, overtaking was a struggle with the AC on. Simple checks can alleviate the issue, such as checking if the radiator is low on water, ensuring the fan operates properly, and not letting it overheat for too long.
