Turn off the air conditioner before turning off the engine: Small habit, big benefits

Air conditioning systems have become a mandatory feature in modern cars. However, not all users know how to use their car's air conditioning correctly to ensure long-term efficiency.

turn off car air conditioner 1.jpg — *Many car users don't have the habit of turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine. Photo: Autodeal*

In their daily driving habits, many people often focus only on starting the engine and driving, paying little attention to seemingly unimportant details.

One example is turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine. Here are the reasons why turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine should be considered an important habit when driving.

Helps the air conditioning system last longer.

A car's air conditioning system is a complex system consisting of many parts such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan, expansion valve, etc. Of these, the compressor is the most important component and only operates when the car engine is running.

If the driver turns off the engine while the air conditioner is still on, the compressor will stop abruptly along with the engine, creating significant and uneven stress on the system.

Over time, this can lead to refrigerant leaks, reduced cooling capacity, and even compressor failure – a component that is not inexpensive to replace.

Conversely, if you turn off the air conditioner while the engine is still running, the compressor will naturally and gradually stop operating, reducing mechanical stress and extending the lifespan of the air conditioning system.

How to know when to replace your car's air conditioning filter.

Protect the motor and electrical system.

Although many modern cars are equipped with electronic control units (ECUs) that can automatically adjust the system during startup, leaving the air conditioning on when the engine is off is still not a habit to maintain.

Restarting the car while the air conditioner is on will force the engine to work under high load immediately after starting, easily draining the battery, causing voltage drops, and reducing battery lifespan, especially if the car is frequently parked for long periods or used intermittently.

In addition, turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine not only reduces the starting load but also keeps the electrical system more stable, preventing engine sluggishness when starting, while saving fuel and improving operating efficiency.

Prevents odors and mold in the cabin.

Many people experience a musty odor in their cars after a period of use, especially during the rainy season or after the car has been parked for a long time. The main reason is that moisture accumulates in the air conditioning system, creating ideal conditions for mold and bacteria to grow.

air conditioner with musty smell.jpg — *Leaving the air conditioner on when the engine is off can cause mold to grow on the evaporator coil, resulting in unpleasant odors and affecting the health of passengers. (Image: Griffins Auto Repair)*

A simple trick to solve this problem is to turn off the air conditioner about 1-2 minutes before arriving at your destination and switch to fan mode. This helps dry the evaporator coil, thereby reducing unpleasant odors and keeping the interior clean and fresh, while also protecting the health of those inside the car, especially in a hot and humid environment like Vietnam.

It can be said that turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine is a simple action, but it brings many practical benefits to both the car and the user.

Although it only takes a few seconds each day, this habit will help car owners save money, maintain comfort in the car's interior, and significantly improve the car's lifespan.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/tat-dieu-hoa-truoc-khi-tat-may-thoi-quen-nho-loi-ich-lon-10301256.html