Why does the power decrease when the air conditioning is turned on?
2 Answers
The reasons for decreased power when the air conditioning is turned on are: 1. Poor fuel quality: When there are too many impurities or excessive water in the fuel, it naturally affects the power output; 2. Severe carbon deposit issues: Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle valve and intake pipes affects the air intake volume, preventing gasoline from fully combusting, which naturally reduces power and to some extent increases fuel consumption; 3. Damaged ignition coil: If one cylinder fails to ignite and cannot function properly, it results in insufficient power due to cylinder misfire and is accompanied by engine vibration; 4. Damaged fuel pump: A malfunctioning fuel pump affects the fuel delivery volume, ultimately leading to insufficient fuel injection into the engine and reduced engine output power.
When the air conditioning is turned on, the lack of power is because the compressor in the air conditioning system needs to be driven by the engine, which directly consumes a portion of the engine's output power. Especially for small-displacement cars, which already have limited horsepower, the compressor adds an extra burden. This makes the car feel particularly sluggish during acceleration or uphill driving. I've noticed that this is most noticeable when starting in the city or overtaking on the highway with the AC on during summer. Don't underestimate this impact—increased compressor load can also raise engine temperature, affecting overall performance. The solution is regular car maintenance, such as checking if the AC belt is worn or if the radiator is clogged. Ignoring these minor issues can worsen the power loss. If necessary, turn off the AC for a few minutes before climbing a hill and turn it back on once the power returns. Choosing a car with a more powerful engine can also alleviate this issue, but most family sedans have to face this reality.
