Why Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioning Before Shutting Down the Engine?
3 Answers
If you shut down the engine directly, the next time you start the car, the engine will bear the load of the air conditioning system. Prolonged operation in this manner can damage the engine. Therefore, it is advisable to turn off the air conditioning a few minutes before shutting down the engine. This allows the natural airflow to eliminate the temperature difference inside and outside the air conditioning ducts, helping to maintain the dryness of the system and prevent bacterial growth. When using the air conditioning again, start the car a few minutes before turning it on for optimal performance. Tips for Using Car Air Conditioning: Air Vent Direction: Many people direct the air vents toward themselves, whether blowing hot or cold air. This is not ideal. In summer, point the vents upward since cold air, being denser, tends to sink. This helps cool the car interior more efficiently. For warm air, directing the vents upward allows faster heating of the cabin. Blowing air directly at yourself not only dries out your skin but also increases the risk of inhaling bacteria from the vents, which can affect your health. Switching Between Recirculation and Fresh Air Modes: When using the car air conditioning, flexibly switching between recirculation and fresh air modes helps maintain relatively fresh air inside the cabin, benefiting both the driver and passengers.
Turning off the engine with the car's air conditioning still running is actually quite harmful to the vehicle. I make it a habit to turn off the AC before shutting down the engine, primarily to protect the engine and extend the lifespan of its components. The air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine, and if the AC is still running at startup, it instantly adds extra load to the engine, causing wear and accelerating battery drain. More critically, frequent operation in this manner can easily burn out the compressor's clutch and wiring, leading to costly and labor-intensive repairs. Additionally, turning off the AC allows the system to properly shut down and balance pressure, preventing engine shudder or difficulty starting the next time. Developing this good habit also reduces the accumulation of condensation in the pipes, preventing mold and unpleasant odors, thereby improving air quality and driving comfort. In short, taking a few seconds to turn off the AC is well worth it for longer-lasting and more reliable vehicle condition.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I must say turning off the AC before shutting down the engine is a money-saving trick. If you turn off the engine directly with the AC running, the compressor will draw extra power during the next startup, increasing engine load. This accelerates component wear and tear, potentially leading to premature failure of both the compressor and battery. Replacing these parts can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars – truly wasted money. Moreover, this habit may slightly increase fuel consumption over time, wasting gas money bit by bit. More importantly, turning off the AC prevents short circuits or fuse blowouts, avoiding minor malfunctions caused by sudden power loss. After making this a daily routine, my car's AC has remained like new for five years, delivering strong cooling performance with quiet operation. This small investment of time and effort yields super high returns with excellent cost performance.
