A/C leave it on always?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
My A/C has been on since this car was new...about 136K miles ago and still works perfectly and has never been serviced. Live down South and you'll know why it's always on, even in winter 
I'd have to laugh at anyone who tries to tell me it's bad for my car.
I'd have to laugh at anyone who tries to tell me it's bad for my car.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by Bakersfield
Ok guys, there is another reason why to leave it on. I have been told that if you leave your A/C off for long periods of time, the freon hose lines will dry out faster. There is a lubricant in with the freon and it needs to be circulated frequently to help keep the hoses from drying out and cracking. So I leave my A/C on, for a short time at least. I hope this helps. 
Left the A/C on the Camaro off for a long time in UK and it quit. Best run it regularly to keep the seals in shape.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 4
From: Hayward CA
Originally Posted by speedy-vet
Now I'm doubting.... I was asked if I turn on my car with the A/C on. I said I always leave it alone, so ... Yeah, It's on when turning it on...
his advice was 'no, you shouldn't'
Not good for the car.
I don't have a clear explanation of why but this person drives a brand new C6!
Your input to this would help me learn more about what's best for the car. Thanks
his advice was 'no, you shouldn't'
Not good for the car.I don't have a clear explanation of why but this person drives a brand new C6!
Your input to this would help me learn more about what's best for the car. Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by C5~Missle
I keep the AC on only when needed. I always start the car first and then turn on the climate control when needed. I only have the AC switched on when necessary... I don't like the way the system constantly uses the AC compressor when all you need is the vents working.
The compressor is a wear item... it also reduces MPG... I understand that these units are more efficient and don't consume much power... but why have it engaged when its not needed...
Its easy enough to switch on the AC when I need to de-humidify or cool the car down... I had the manual system in my 99 and prefer that to the automatic system in my 04...
The compressor is a wear item... it also reduces MPG... I understand that these units are more efficient and don't consume much power... but why have it engaged when its not needed...
Its easy enough to switch on the AC when I need to de-humidify or cool the car down... I had the manual system in my 99 and prefer that to the automatic system in my 04...
totally!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 6
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by BodaciousBlue
Excuse me guys. Isnt the question of the initial post, "Why is it bad to leave our A/C's on while starting our engines? He did not have a clear explanation? Right?
1. My car does sit for weekssometimes before I drive it
2. replace of a/c parts earlier
3. good rule of thumb....
Do you have any input?
Originally Posted by D's other Toy
This is my reponse to all;
This varrance can be influence on how long the vechicle sets...And yes the compressor is disengaged on initial crack up....but if your vechicle has been setting for a couple of weeks, let the fluids travel before engaging additional components....If you want to replace a part (AC comp.)earlier than you may want to then spend the money...If you are racing the motoring ..don't run it at all...All this depends on you and where your vehicle plays.....This is just a a good rule of thumb for any electrical component with different accessaries.... Run yours the way you feel fit as well as I is my last comment....
This varrance can be influence on how long the vechicle sets...And yes the compressor is disengaged on initial crack up....but if your vechicle has been setting for a couple of weeks, let the fluids travel before engaging additional components....If you want to replace a part (AC comp.)earlier than you may want to then spend the money...If you are racing the motoring ..don't run it at all...All this depends on you and where your vehicle plays.....This is just a a good rule of thumb for any electrical component with different accessaries.... Run yours the way you feel fit as well as I is my last comment....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 116
From: OAKLEY CA
a/c question
My wife used to tell me that if I left the AC on when the windows were down, even for a short period of time, that my AC could blow up. Her dad had told all the kids that since they were little. Obviously this is not so, but it had been drummed into her. The same is true for other reasons to turn it off except maybe the dripping on the track issue. Mine only drips after I shut it off and the ice on the accumulator melts. Whatever, the car was engineered to run the AC without damage, and I don't like humidity at anytime unless I'm naked. Some people don't use their AC at home either to save money. I'm not rich, but I can afford to be comfortable, it seems a good bargain to me compared to what everything else costs.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 6
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by ED HEISER
I don't like humidity at anytime unless I'm naked. Some people don't use their AC at home either to save money. I'm not rich, but I can afford to be comfortable, it seems a good bargain to me compared to what everything else costs.
But it's not a bargain when replacing parts on the car, whatever they are, from compressor to clutch to ??? - they aren't cheap! that's when I have to remember I drive a 'Corvette" not a "Chevette'
