AC Running While Car Locked

[AZbunch]

Hi...new member. There are times when I need to leave my car for a short time with my dog inside and I want to keep the AC running. It beeps after I lock and start to walk away. I've never tried it further - does the beeping eventually stop the further I get and will the AC continue running? Thanks for any info!

[AZhitman]

There's no reason the AC should shut off. Before I left a pet in there, I'd test it - You sit in the car and give someone else the keys.

The other concern I;d have is that IF there was a mechanical failure, you'd cook a pooch. The cooling systems on most vehicles weren't made to sit and idle with the AC running. There needs to be airflow over the condensor - especially if you are in AZ, as I suspect.

[centralcoaster33]

People that do this have two sets of keys. One set on them and the other, locked in the car with the ac on and the pet inside. Can you do that?

People still need to check on their pets at a regular interval of 1 or 2 hours, have water in there, food, potty, a toy, etc. You can get a thermometer that sends temps to your smart phone. If the car ran out of gas or the ac system fails, the temp would rise and you'd get a notification to go check the car. Not a bad idea for a pet lover.

AZHitman has a good idea. Test it on yourself (or a thermometer) before the dog. Give it at least 20-60 minutes and remember that you want to test the worst case scenario (hot sun on a hot day), not the bare minimum. Some cars overheat in this situation. My old one would. Yours is pretty new and should be able to handle it.

[kboo74]

There's no reason the AC should shut off. Before I left a pet in there, I'd test it - You sit in the car and give someone else the keys.

The other concern I;d have is that IF there was a mechanical failure, you'd cook a pooch. The cooling systems on most vehicles weren't made to sit and idle with the AC running. There needs to be airflow over the condensor - especially if you are in AZ, as I suspect.

I have a 2015 Rogue and I take my keys and leave the car running. It beeps and tells me there is no key present but the car will continue run normally. The beeping only lasts a very short time. I can lock the doors also. The only thing is if someone got in the car (unlocked) they could still drive away without the keys. If they shut the car off they won't be able to start it without the key. I haven't tried to drive off without the key so I am assuming that you could. Hope this helps.

Ken

[AZhitman]

...or you could leave your pet at home. They're not as enamored of sitting in a car alone (or going for rides) as people think.