You know that turning on your car’s air conditioning in summer gives you a cool and refreshing feeling, but have you ever wondered if it has an effect on the engine?
Some people think that running the AC will make your engine hotter due to all the extra work it has to do. Many others think exactly the opposite. According to them, the air conditioning transfers some of the heat from inside a vehicle to the outside via vents designed to move hot air away from the passengers (instead of keeping them warm).
Which theory is true? Let’s find out.
Does a Running Air Conditioner Cool a Car Engine?
No.
In order to better understand how air conditioning affects a car engine, we need to know the basics of how an internal combustion engine works. Ignoring all other factors, such as fuel and oil consumption (which depend on driving conditions), running the AC will cause greater power consumption from your engine in order to compress the refrigerant gas that is cooled.
The extra power used by the AC will make your engine hotter, which could lead to higher operating costs for gasoline and oil consumption (unless you are very careful with AC usage).
With the air conditioning on, you will literally hear the engine noise because of its harder and faster rotation. It spins at a higher speed to combat the extra heat generated by the engine.
Furthermore, a car engine is designed to operate best at a maximum temperature between 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Running the AC adds to this temperature, making your engine less efficient.
But don’t worry too much. These side effects of using the AC in summer are generally minimal and will not cause major damage if you take care of the engine properly.
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How to Protect the Car Engine in Summer
So, where does this leave us? In general, running the AC will increase your car’s power consumption, with a corresponding decrease in energy efficiency. But you can still enjoy a pleasant drive without harming the engine.
A good way to avoid the drawbacks of running the air conditioning in summer is to try a new approach: use it not as an internal cooling system, but rather for its air conditioning function. If you are going to drive a short distance, turn it on for a few minutes when the car is idling in the driveway. This will pre-cool your car and keep the interior cool during the short trip.
Another good option is to open the windows when it’s not too hot. Remember that you can also run your air conditioner for a short period before getting on the highway, then turn it off as soon as you start driving. This way, you’ll enjoy the benefits without having to worry about negative side effects.
Conclusion
Running your air conditioner in summer can have negative effects on a car’s engine. However, this is completely normal, and you can let the air conditioner run on those hot days. If the engine overheats, take the car to a repair shop as there may be other internal issues.