many driver rs believe that shutting off the air-conditioner (A/C) several minutes before turning off the car engine is good for protecting the engine. In fact, this action doesn’t affect the engine’s life, it is just beneficial for your health and your car’s interior.
Today, the A/C is an essential part of modern cars, especially in countries that suffer from a hot climate like Nigeria. However, not all car users know how to use the A/C system properly and many of them make mistakes in using the A/C, causing negative effects on the health of users and the car maintenance .
Before you turn your car's A/C on, find out why it could cost you
An A/C comprises of a condenser, a throttle, a compressor, the coolant gas, a vaporizer and a desiccant. The compressor and the car engine are connected by a cassette wire, and the compressor only works when the engine starts. Therefore, many car users think that as the A/C works, it will consume a considerable amount of fuel and power, creating some extra weights for the engine to carry, particularly in the ignition phase. With that in mind, they believe that it is better to turn off the A/C system before stopping the car engine and to start the A/C after the engine works up, instead of turning both of them at the same time.
Not all car users know how to use the A/C system properly and many of them make mistakes in using the A/C
However, as shared by Howstuffworks, no matter the A/C systemi is on or off, it poses no risk on the car engine.
Thanks to the ever advanced technology used on today's cars, whenever you start your vehicle, the ECU will automatically turn off all other support systems of the car to focus battery and fuel to the engine. Additionally, like other devices on the car such as radios and lights, the A/C system will automatically switch off for a brief moment. So shutting down the A/C before or after the car stops doesn’t affect the engine’s durability or operation. So if you want to enjoy the cool air for the last minutes on the road to work, relax or back home, it will not hurt your beloved car.
As shared by Howstuffworks, no matter the A/C system is on or off, it poses no risk on the car engine
However, it is much more important as it could affect your health or other people in the car. Getting out the cooled cabin to the hot atmosphere outside makes it easy for people to get a heat shock. So, it is advised that the A/C system should be turned off a few minutes before the car stops, which gives enough time for your body to adapt to the outside temperature. Moreover, this also allows the A/C air intake which often accumulates moisture due to humidity to get dry and prevent the growth of mold in the interior. And this is exactly a smart solution for your car if you are suffering an unpleasant odor every time you walk into the car (most likely due to mold).
It is advised that the A/C system should be turned off a few minutes before the car stops