Why does the car feel sluggish when stepping on the accelerator with AC on during a cold start in summer?
1 Answers
In summer, the car feels sluggish when stepping on the accelerator with AC on during a cold start, which may be due to poor valve sealing or excessive carbon buildup in the intake tract. Reasons for sluggish acceleration with AC on during a cold start: It could be caused by poor valve sealing and insufficient cylinder pressure; it might also result from excessive carbon buildup in the intake tract; another possibility is carbon buildup on the spark plugs or incorrect spark plug gaps; it could also be due to clogged fuel injectors, leading to insufficient fuel delivery. A detailed inspection is required to determine the exact cause. It is recommended to visit a 4S shop or auto repair shop for a comprehensive check. Causes of this common phenomenon: It is usually the result of multiple factors working together. First, unavoidable environmental factors come into play. In winter, temperatures are generally low, and the engine remains cold for a long time after starting. The engine oil inside the car becomes overly viscous, forcing the engine to operate under extreme conditions. This affects the engine's responsiveness. Compared to normal temperatures, acceleration in winter is relatively slower, sometimes taking a long time to respond. Additionally, in winter, the car's heating system starts working immediately upon startup. The water temperature in the radiator is insufficient to provide cabin warmth, so the heating system relies on the AC. Heating itself is highly energy-consuming, so the AC heating system also consumes a portion of the engine's output power. As a result, acceleration feels noticeably slower than usual.
