Vehicle A/C and starting, stopping

[30-30]

Do y'all turn the A/C off before shutting down and/or starting up again? I always have but I wonder if it's necessary. Is there any truth to the ideas of starter wear on start-up or condensation in the ducts after shut-down?

Thanks.

[kparker158]

Never heard of that before

[Mike D]

I don't. I don't know what you mean about starter wear as your compressor will not kick on until the vehicle is running anyway.

As to condensation just don't run it on max a/c all the time. Run it on normal so it can pull fresh air through the system on a regular basis.

[Mayhem]

Nope. Whatever level it is when I turn it off, is the level In which it stays.

[parkchief100]

Ask letsgoboys8204. He sells all auto ac parts for a living. He has been doing it for about 20 years. He always turns his off and has told my wife to do the same. I can't remember what the reasoning is but he can tell you!

[GhostSkull]

The only thing that turning it off before shutdown does is helps get the condensation out of the ducts to keep any mold/mildew out. As far as component wear that compressor cycles on and off all the time while you're runnin down the road

[30-30]

I don't. I don't know what you mean about starter wear as your compressor will not kick on until the vehicle is running anyway.

Is that true with all vehicles, or just newer ones?

Aside from the starter, are there any negatives to the fan blowing hard while starting? Or any other electricals? (wipers, radio, headlights, etc.) When I learned to drive my parents insisted that I turn everything off, particularly the A/C. Maybe it was more important with older cars.

[TallTexan]

Never heard of that before

x2

[bigdaddy590]

My dad taught me the same thing... Never really stuck with me.

[Puggy625]

When a car is started, all electrical is shut off except for the starter when the key is turned to the start position. This puts the entire battery current to the starter to turn the motor over. Once the key is released to the run position, electrical is restored to other components. Ever had the wipers left on, when the key is turned to the run position the wipers start to move and when the key is rotated to the start position the wipers stop momentarily? That's what's going on. It isn't hurting a thing to leave it on.

[BowSlayer]

I always turn everything off before killing the engine but that's just because I don't like the ac blowing and the radio next time I start it.

[Johnny Dangerr]

I always turn everything off and wait 5 seconds then kill the engine.
I always start the engine and give it 15 seconds before I kick in the compressor.

Have spun many by hand in salvage yards. They really steal horse power and put a bit of stress on your engine.

[Mike D]

The only thing that turning it off before shutdown does is helps get the condensation out of the ducts to keep any mold/mildew out. As far as component wear that compressor cycles on and off all the time while you're runnin down the road

How would shutting the unit off and moving no air get condensation out if the ducts?

Maybe if you shut it off a few miles up the road but not pulling into your driveway and turning the switch off just before the key is turned off.

[GhostSkull]

How would shutting the unit off and moving no air get condensation out if the ducts?

Maybe if you shut it off a few miles up the road but not pulling into your driveway and turning the switch off just before the key is turned off.

Shut the comp off and leave the air running

[Mike D]

Shut the comp off and leave the air running

You do realize an A/C is a dehumidifier as well?