Do you start your car with AC switch in the "on" position or the "off" position?

[redmanfx]

This is a poll to see how people start their car with the AC already on or off. The reason for the Poll is an article I read where the head engineers for 4 major car manufactures, 3 actual rocket scientist, 1 nuclear Physicist and 22 other engineers in the auto industry were asked the same question to find out if it is actually bad to start your car with the AC "on." as opposed to it being off when the engine is started.

94% of those engineers polled claim it is BAD for your car to start it with the AC engaged or "on" and is much better to turn off the AC when you park, so that it is off when you start your car.

[CrimsonQ]

Im no scientist, or smart, but I always have it off when starting

[elwesso]

On the Q the compressor doesnt stay engaged... Whenever you turn the ignition off, the compressor disengages.. When you start it, just a half second after the car fires the compressor kicks on... On some domestics it may not do this. The Q has a very sophisticated AC system, the V6 variable displacement system, so the clutch doesnt have to engage/disengage often.

If you turn the car off with the AC on, youll hear sort of a thud when you turn it off, which is simply the compressor disengaging..

[CrimsonQ]

true, but during initial startup/warming would it be good to have the extra load? (not that i really care, just sparking debate lol)

[elwesso]

How woudl that make any difference? As long as you dont race the engine to get it going, or take off too soon without letting it warm up for at least a second, then i dont see how itd make any difference..

[redmanfx]

On the Q the compressor doesnt stay engaged... Whenever you turn the ignition off, the compressor disengages.. When you start it, just a half second after the car fires the compressor kicks on... On some domestics it may not do this. The Q has a very sophisticated AC system, the V6 variable displacement system, so the clutch doesnt have to engage/disengage often.

If you turn the car off with the AC on, youll hear sort of a thud when you turn it off, which is simply the compressor disengaging..

Interesting..... I can't be certain If I knew this or not about the Q....

[benemorius]

true, but during initial startup/warming would it be good to have the extra load? (not that i really care, just sparking debate lol)

Funny you should ask that. Yes, indeed. The engine will warm up faster due to the a/c. This is quite a good thing.

I tend to doubt the validity of that article. It's hard to find that many ignorant people at random.

[Jesda]

I set it to Auto 70F all year round. If it gets too chilly I partially close the vents.

[Skibane]

This is a poll to see how people start their car with the AC already on or off. The reason for the Poll is an article I read where the head engineers for 4 major car manufactures, 3 actual rocket scientist, 1 nuclear Physicist and 22 other engineers in the auto industry were asked the same question to find out if it is actually bad to start your car with the AC "on." as opposed to it being off when the engine is started.

Guess it depends on their definition of the AC being "on" - If they're talking about the compressor actually being engaged while the starter is cranking, it is indeed a bad thing. On the other hand, if they're talking about leaving the dashboard AC switch turned on while cranking the engine, they're probably wrong (at least in the case of most modern vehicles). Most modern AC systems are under computer control, and most of those delay engagement of the compressor clutch until after the engine starts.

[Q451990]

So what reason did they give for it being "bad" to leave the a/c on? I leave mine set to "Auto" at all times...

Heath

[ddrumman]

I just made a mistake and voted the "ON" position when in fact I start the car with EVERYTHING off. I have no idea why I do that but it is how I like to start the car.

[louiegz]

My A/C is on auto all year long. Sometimes in the mild part of winter. the A/C kicks on when the Q has been parked in the sun. Sometimes in spring or fall, I put it on econ if it's too cold. I have a 95 and I've never had to service the A/C. It works perfectly.

[maxnix]

AUTO is on.

AC will kick in on defrost on even the coldest cays.

[Jesda]

Keeps the 'juices' flowing, so the AC hoses stay sealed.

[Rex]

I turn all accessories off before turnign the car off, and thus they're off when I start the car.

[qsiguy]

Well, I try to always turn it off before shutting down the engine for two main reasons. First, for most cars it will allow the battery to get a better charge just before shutting down as there won't be as much of a load on the system. I've checked amps on many cars under different scenarios and the a/c and blower system will draw from 10-15 amps and I like to take that load off so the battery will be topped off before I shut it off therefore having a better charge on the battery for the next start.

Second, if you never turn off the a/c the condensation that forms in the vents will never evaporate and it can start to smell. When the car is parked normally the windows are all shut and there is no ventillation to dry the moisture. I've been in many cars that were really smelly because of this.

To make a long story short, I switch to vent and put the blower on low for the last 5 minutes or so of my drive.

My $.02

[DrewQ45]

The Q has a very sophisticated AC system, the V6 variable displacement system, so the clutch doesnt have to engage/disengage often...

Really, then why the F isn't mine working?

[elwesso]

at 200k it doesnt owe you a damn thing!