how many people turn off the a/c before shutting off the car?
10-20-2002, 06:58 PM
#1
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: TEXAS
Age: 43
Posts: 6,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
how many people turn off the a/c before shutting off the car?
i was taught to always turn off the a/c before turning off the car. it suppose to put less wear on the a/c. is this a myth or fact?
sidemarker
sidemarker
Trending Topics
10-20-2002, 08:11 PM
#8
....................
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: united states
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always shut it off.
Another thing about me, I hardly EVER use the A/C, even when it's hot as shiat.
If my girl is in the car I kinda have to, cuz she bitches about it. But if it's just me, I will NEVER use it.
Another thing about me, I hardly EVER use the A/C, even when it's hot as shiat.
If my girl is in the car I kinda have to, cuz she bitches about it. But if it's just me, I will NEVER use it.
10-20-2002, 08:36 PM
#10
Changin bulbs since '73
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chi-town burbs
Age: 50
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes
on
4 Posts
i used to hear that in india all the time. I don't think it makes a difference with out cars because of the bigger engines in this country.
and in answer to your question....no i dont turn anything off.
and in answer to your question....no i dont turn anything off.
10-20-2002, 08:54 PM
#11
Still trolling
Why would shutting the AC off before you shut off the car matter? Since the AC is a compressor with a clutch on the pulley, it is set not to engage during cranking anyway. There are key things that are disabled during the starting of a car. Usually the radio, most accessories, and...the AC.
The pulley on the AC compressor doesn't engage untill the car is running. And when you turn off the car, the clutch disengages almost imediately.
Your AC compressor clutch spends it's entire life engaging and disengaging. Do you think stating and stopping the car have any effect?
There used to be a rumor that you shouldn't turn on the AC at high speeds, only at idle. Again, this has no bearing since teh AC engages and disengages all the time.
The pulley on the AC compressor doesn't engage untill the car is running. And when you turn off the car, the clutch disengages almost imediately.
Your AC compressor clutch spends it's entire life engaging and disengaging. Do you think stating and stopping the car have any effect?
There used to be a rumor that you shouldn't turn on the AC at high speeds, only at idle. Again, this has no bearing since teh AC engages and disengages all the time.
10-20-2002, 09:37 PM
#17
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Hellertown, Pa. USA
Age: 56
Posts: 20,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by fender4
Think "FULL AUTO" mode, it's there for a reason
Think "FULL AUTO" mode, it's there for a reason
Mine's always on. All I do is adjust the temp up or down to suit.
Shawn S
10-20-2002, 09:39 PM
#18
Advanced
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I won't start the car again for many hours, I leave many things off, including A/C, stereo, and headlights. Even though you say that these accessories are not turned on while starting the engine, they ARE turned on while your engine and the car is warming up. And I rather not put any more stress on the engine while it's starting up. But that's because I love my car and engine and not because I think the wear and tear on the engine would be greatly reduced. I can't even speculate how much wear and tear would be if the engine has to power all of those accessories during warm-up.
10-20-2002, 09:44 PM
#19
Happy CL-S Pilot
Originally posted by showgunz
If I won't start the car again for many hours, I leave many things off, including A/C, stereo, and headlights. Even though you say that these accessories are not turned on while starting the engine, they ARE turned on while your engine and the car is warming up. And I rather not put any more stress on the engine while it's starting up. But that's because I love my car and engine and not because I think the wear and tear on the engine would be greatly reduced. I can't even speculate how much wear and tear would be if the engine has to power all of those accessories during warm-up.
If I won't start the car again for many hours, I leave many things off, including A/C, stereo, and headlights. Even though you say that these accessories are not turned on while starting the engine, they ARE turned on while your engine and the car is warming up. And I rather not put any more stress on the engine while it's starting up. But that's because I love my car and engine and not because I think the wear and tear on the engine would be greatly reduced. I can't even speculate how much wear and tear would be if the engine has to power all of those accessories during warm-up.
You paid $32k for it use the damn thing... it wears down like any machine... than you buy the 2005-6 edition....
It is not a collectible nor a classic....
10-20-2002, 10:04 PM
#21
V6 & V12 Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never use A/C. Even when its hot here in Tucson (Its hot everyday here) I don't use a/c. You are supposed to turn the A/C off before you shut your car off because it putts strain on your Compressor.
10-20-2002, 11:27 PM
#23
Originally posted by BigPimp
lights off, A/C off, volume down, roof closed and windows up. Turn off the car and I lock with the remote as I walk away and watch the stupid lights blink because there is no beep.
lights off, A/C off, volume down, roof closed and windows up. Turn off the car and I lock with the remote as I walk away and watch the stupid lights blink because there is no beep.
10-20-2002, 11:31 PM
#24
Still trolling
You can turn the beeps on and off with the remote (at least on my 99 3.0). HOld the trunk release and lock buttons down until the led on the remote flashes. That toggles the beeps on and off.
10-20-2002, 11:41 PM
#27
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Houston, Tx, USA
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep I believe so..
Originally posted by 6spdmanual
I turn off stereo and A/C in order to minimize the load for the alternator and starter.
I turn off stereo and A/C in order to minimize the load for the alternator and starter.
I think that is the one and primary reason to turn off the AC, and Stereo on startup. If you have problems starting your car those are the items that you should turn off, if you aren't having a problem starting the car, then there would be no reason to shut those items off. 
But to answer the question, I leave the stereo and AC on when I shut down the car, unless I am having starting problems.
Also keep in mind that the stereo has an auto volume feature, if you listen to it loud, the volume will gradually increase when you turn the car on
to the level it was set at before you turned the car off so its not being turned on a full volume (and this is with the stock stereo 
)
10-20-2002, 11:42 PM
#28
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: TEXAS
Age: 43
Posts: 6,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by JagV12
...You are supposed to turn the A/C off before you shut your car off because it putts strain on your Compressor.
...You are supposed to turn the A/C off before you shut your car off because it putts strain on your Compressor.
sidemarker
10-20-2002, 11:44 PM
#29
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: TEXAS
Age: 43
Posts: 6,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by fender4
Think "FULL AUTO" mode, it's there for a reason
Think "FULL AUTO" mode, it's there for a reason
sidemarker
10-21-2002, 01:43 AM
#30
Moderator Alumnus
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
OK. Here is why turning the AC off 3 to 5 minutes before you reach your destination is beneficial. It has nothing to do with putting strain on your compressor.
Do you ever notice that wired, yaki smell when you start the car a day (or hours) after a hot and humid day (which prompted you to turn the AC on yesterday, etc)? Sometimes it happens when you have fresh air come in the car with the AC off, sometimes it does not matter.
Well, that smell is there bacuause:
When you turn the AC on, among other things, humidity (water) accumulates by your core and other parts of your AC system. You reach your destination, shutt the car off and leave it there for hours. Humidity attracts a ton of bacteria which multiply especially during hot days and nights. Next morning you go to start the car and the air passing through the core and other parts, pushes that bacteria in your car. That is what you smell.
To avoid that, I turn my AC off 3-5 minutes before I reach my destination, unless if it is 1000 degrees out. What does that do? Well, because your AC system now is not attracting water off of the atmosphere, that water evaporates. It actually evaporates faster if I go faster. So if I am coming off of the highway, 3 minutes or so will do it, if I am doing 30mph then I will leave it off 5 or 10 minutes before (again, if it wont kill me). So if there is no water/humidity around your core, etc, there is less bacteria the next day, thus, less smelly air.
Do you ever notice that wired, yaki smell when you start the car a day (or hours) after a hot and humid day (which prompted you to turn the AC on yesterday, etc)? Sometimes it happens when you have fresh air come in the car with the AC off, sometimes it does not matter.
Well, that smell is there bacuause:
When you turn the AC on, among other things, humidity (water) accumulates by your core and other parts of your AC system. You reach your destination, shutt the car off and leave it there for hours. Humidity attracts a ton of bacteria which multiply especially during hot days and nights. Next morning you go to start the car and the air passing through the core and other parts, pushes that bacteria in your car. That is what you smell.
To avoid that, I turn my AC off 3-5 minutes before I reach my destination, unless if it is 1000 degrees out. What does that do? Well, because your AC system now is not attracting water off of the atmosphere, that water evaporates. It actually evaporates faster if I go faster. So if I am coming off of the highway, 3 minutes or so will do it, if I am doing 30mph then I will leave it off 5 or 10 minutes before (again, if it wont kill me). So if there is no water/humidity around your core, etc, there is less bacteria the next day, thus, less smelly air.
10-21-2002, 05:41 AM
#33
Safety Car
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 48
Posts: 3,992
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by gavriil
OK. Here is why turning the AC off 3 to 5 minutes before you reach your destination is beneficial. It has nothing to do with putting strain on your compressor.
Do you ever notice that wired, yaki smell when you start the car a day (or hours) after a hot and humid day (which prompted you to turn the AC on yesterday, etc)? Sometimes it happens when you have fresh air come in the car with the AC off, sometimes it does not matter.
Well, that smell is there bacuause:
When you turn the AC on, among other things, humidity (water) accumulates by your core and other parts of your AC system. You reach your destination, shutt the car off and leave it there for hours. Humidity attracts a ton of bacteria which multiply especially during hot days and nights. Next morning you go to start the car and the air passing through the core and other parts, pushes that bacteria in your car. That is what you smell.
To avoid that, I turn my AC off 3-5 minutes before I reach my destination, unless if it is 1000 degrees out. What does that do? Well, because your AC system now is not attracting water off of the atmosphere, that water evaporates. It actually evaporates faster if I go faster. So if I am coming off of the highway, 3 minutes or so will do it, if I am doing 30mph then I will leave it off 5 or 10 minutes before (again, if it wont kill me). So if there is no water/humidity around your core, etc, there is less bacteria the next day, thus, less smelly air.
OK. Here is why turning the AC off 3 to 5 minutes before you reach your destination is beneficial. It has nothing to do with putting strain on your compressor.
Do you ever notice that wired, yaki smell when you start the car a day (or hours) after a hot and humid day (which prompted you to turn the AC on yesterday, etc)? Sometimes it happens when you have fresh air come in the car with the AC off, sometimes it does not matter.
Well, that smell is there bacuause:
When you turn the AC on, among other things, humidity (water) accumulates by your core and other parts of your AC system. You reach your destination, shutt the car off and leave it there for hours. Humidity attracts a ton of bacteria which multiply especially during hot days and nights. Next morning you go to start the car and the air passing through the core and other parts, pushes that bacteria in your car. That is what you smell.
To avoid that, I turn my AC off 3-5 minutes before I reach my destination, unless if it is 1000 degrees out. What does that do? Well, because your AC system now is not attracting water off of the atmosphere, that water evaporates. It actually evaporates faster if I go faster. So if I am coming off of the highway, 3 minutes or so will do it, if I am doing 30mph then I will leave it off 5 or 10 minutes before (again, if it wont kill me). So if there is no water/humidity around your core, etc, there is less bacteria the next day, thus, less smelly air.
10-21-2002, 07:50 AM
#34
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chicago-ish
Posts: 5,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's my understanding that if the CC is on full-auto, the AC doesn't really come on until the car thinks it needs to come on. I generally leave the CC on auto, and on hot days, I start the car and then a second or two later, the CC kicks in the fan and AC.
I believe in older cars, having the AC on when starting the car really put a strain on the starter/alternator, since it would attempt to engage immediately. I think a lot of cars are smarter now. Knowing how people tend to drive them, manufacturers are building a delayed start into the systems. It's cheaper than warranty replacements of starters, compressors, etc.
The radio does an automatic volume ramp-up when you turn it on, so as to not shock the speakers.
FWIW, I don't recall any warning in the Owner's Manual about turning off the AC. Not that that fact means anything, of course, but many times manufacturer-recommended procedures are listed in the Owner's Manual. You know, like "Keep tires properly inflated" and "change your oil regularly" and "Do not open car doors while driving".
And if you haven't guessed, I leave both on all the time unless it's nice out, then the CC goes on manual.
I believe in older cars, having the AC on when starting the car really put a strain on the starter/alternator, since it would attempt to engage immediately. I think a lot of cars are smarter now. Knowing how people tend to drive them, manufacturers are building a delayed start into the systems. It's cheaper than warranty replacements of starters, compressors, etc.
The radio does an automatic volume ramp-up when you turn it on, so as to not shock the speakers.
FWIW, I don't recall any warning in the Owner's Manual about turning off the AC. Not that that fact means anything, of course, but many times manufacturer-recommended procedures are listed in the Owner's Manual. You know, like "Keep tires properly inflated" and "change your oil regularly" and "Do not open car doors while driving".
And if you haven't guessed, I leave both on all the time unless it's nice out, then the CC goes on manual.
10-21-2002, 08:18 AM
#35
Do it! U Only Live Once!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: WPB, Florida
Age: 76
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I leave it in the "Full Auto" mode. Because I live in Florida, the air always stays on except for a limited amount of time in the winter when the temperature hovers around 72.
10-21-2002, 08:24 AM
#36
Where is my super sauce?
I leave my climate control system on all the time and adjust the temperature as needed.
On another related topic:
Does anyone know if the A/C compressor cycles when the car is warming (on the full auto mode)? Are we being warmed with dehumdified A/C air, or just warmed outside air? I've been wondering this since the outside temp dropped recently and even though the car is being warmed I could swear I that I feel the A/C cycling on every now and then.
On another related topic:
Does anyone know if the A/C compressor cycles when the car is warming (on the full auto mode)? Are we being warmed with dehumdified A/C air, or just warmed outside air? I've been wondering this since the outside temp dropped recently and even though the car is being warmed I could swear I that I feel the A/C cycling on every now and then.
10-21-2002, 09:02 AM
#38
Stage 1 Audi S5
Not true all the time. Most of the time putting your windows down (especially at high speed) uses just as much in gas as the AC and sometimes more. Think of all the wind resistance you are building up with the windows down As for turning the air off, i never do and have never had a problem. My dad always told me to turn it off and does in his car which is really annoying
Originally posted by o snap its eric
i hardly use my ac! im being cheap. using AC= WASTING GAS.
i hardly use my ac! im being cheap. using AC= WASTING GAS.
10-21-2002, 09:51 AM
#40
Drifting
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Miami, FL
Age: 46
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by 1StGenCL
...Most of the time putting your windows down (especially at high speed) uses just as much in gas as the AC and sometimes more. Think of all the wind resistance you are building up with the windows down...
...Most of the time putting your windows down (especially at high speed) uses just as much in gas as the AC and sometimes more. Think of all the wind resistance you are building up with the windows down...
I usually keep the air on, especially at high speeds.