Turn off the air conditioner before turning off the engine: Small habit, big benefits
Turning off the air conditioner before turning off the machine is just a small habit, but this will help protect the air conditioning system from early damage, saving costs for repair and replacement of this part.
Air conditioning has become a must-have feature in today's cars. However, not all users know how to use car air conditioning properly to ensure long-term efficiency.
In daily car usage habits, many people often only focus on starting and moving, paying little attention to seemingly unimportant details.
One of them is the act of 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 driving habit.
Helps the air conditioning system operate more durably
Car air conditioning is a complex system consisting of many parts such as compressor (cooling block), condenser, evaporator, fan, expansion valve... Of which, the compressor is the most important component and only operates when the car engine is running.
If the driver turns off the vehicle while the air conditioning is still on, the compressor will suddenly stop along with the engine, causing large and uneven stress on the system.
Over time, this can lead to refrigerant leaks, reduced cooling capacity, and even compressor failure - a part that is not cheap to replace.
Conversely, if the air conditioner is turned off while the engine is still running, the compressor will stop working naturally and slowly, reducing mechanical stress and prolonging the life of the air conditioning system.
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Protects the motor and electrical system
Although many current car models are equipped with electronic control systems (ECUs) that can automatically adjust the device when starting, leaving the air conditioner on when turning off the engine is still not a habit that should be maintained.
Restarting the car while the air conditioner is on will cause the engine to work at high load as soon as it starts, easily causing battery drain, voltage drop, and reduced battery life, especially when the car is often parked for a long time or used intermittently.
In addition, turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine not only helps reduce the starting load, but also keeps the electrical system more stable, avoiding "sluggish engine" when starting, while saving fuel and improving operating efficiency.
Prevents odors and mold in the cabin
Many people experience a musty smell in their car after a period of use, especially during the rainy season or after the car has been parked for a long time. The main cause is moisture condensing in the cooling system, creating ideal conditions for mold and bacteria to grow.
A simple tip 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 method helps dry the evaporator, thereby limiting unpleasant odors and keeping the interior clean and fresh, while protecting the health of the people in the car, especially in hot and humid environments like Vietnam.
It can be said that turning off the air conditioner before turning off the engine is a simple operation but brings many practical values to both the car and the user.
Although it only takes a few seconds a day, this habit will help car owners save money, maintain comfort in the cabin and significantly increase the durability of the car.
