Why Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioning Before Shutting Down the Car?

[VanHarley]

Here is more information about why you should turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the car: 1. When using the air conditioner in summer, if you only turn it off when parking and shutting down the engine, it is easy for mold to grow inside the air conditioning system. 2. In summer, with high temperatures and humidity, there is a lot of moisture left in the air conditioning ducts and evaporator after turning off the air conditioner. This moisture does not dry completely, making it particularly prone to mold growth, which can lead to a sour smell in winter. 3. Before parking and shutting down the engine in summer, turn off the AC button and only keep the fan running to dry the moisture in the ducts and evaporator. This will prevent mold growth. If the sour smell is too strong, you can only go to an auto repair shop to disassemble and clean the ducts and evaporator.

[AdalineDella]

Having worked in an auto repair shop for so many years, I often remind car owners to turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine, primarily to protect the vehicle's electrical system. When the air conditioning is left on and the engine is suddenly turned off, the voltage fluctuation at the moment of engine shutdown can easily damage the compressor or circuit components, as these parts require stable current. Starting the car with the compressor immediately loading up next time will increase the engine's burden and accelerate wear. Over time, this may lead to air conditioning pump head failure, resulting in significant repair costs. Developing the habit of turning off the air conditioning 20 seconds in advance is simple and also allows the blower to dry the inside of the evaporator, preventing moisture retention and mold growth, thereby reducing odors and health risks in the car. This helps extend the overall lifespan. I always perform this operation in advance when driving myself, saving me from multiple repair troubles.

[KiraMarie]

As an environmentally conscious car owner, I always turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine to save energy and reduce emissions. Running the AC consumes engine power, increasing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. If left on, the system will experience excessive load upon next startup, leading to inefficient operation and wasted energy. Based on my calculations, this habit reduces fuel consumption by approximately 3%, significantly benefiting carbon footprint reduction. Additionally, it prevents voltage fluctuations, protecting battery lifespan. From an environmental perspective, it conserves resources and cares for our planet. Simply pressing a button before turning off the engine makes it easy to implement. Developing good habits brings benefits beyond personal gains.

[DelSarah]

I've been driving for years to pick up and drop off my family, and the habit of turning off the AC before shutting down the engine is very practical. Mainly to avoid loud fan noise and odor issues upon next startup. If not turned off, residual moisture can lead to mold growth, causing unpleasant smells inside the car that are troublesome to clean. Turning off the fan in advance helps dry out the ducts, keeping the air fresh. It's a simple button press to make it a daily routine – comfortable and healthy.