Why do street racers turn off AC?

When drag racing you might be asked to turn off your AC (by the track officials) because it drips water on the track. So its pretty common knowledge to turn your AC off when drag racing at a track. In addition, it could also slightly reduce power.
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Why do car guys turn off AC?

TOM: In fact, automotive engineers figured this out some years ago and developed a switch so the AC would be turned off automatically when the engine needed all of its power. It's done through the computer and the throttle-position switch.
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Does AC rob horsepower?

Your car's AC system is powered by the engine

When the AC system kicks on, you might notice that the engine RPM increases a little. According to Your Mechanic, the car does this in order to offset the power drawn by the AC system, so there's no doubt that the system robs your engine of horsepower when it's activated.
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Why does AC make cars slower?

The reason for this issue is that your air conditioning system is directly tied to your motor—so as you cool off you're effectively applying some of your horsepower when you set your climate controls to cold air. However, in most cases, this is only 5-6 horsepower.
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Does turning off AC give you more horsepower?

Yes, and no, you won't. It doesn't hurt the car and provides a power boost. The AC was turned off automatically when the engine needed all of its power, thanks to a switch developed by automotive engineers.
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How Much Power Does AC Consume? Dyno with AC vs No AC



Does AC make engine harder?

According to the EPA, using your car's AC can be more efficient while driving at highway speeds than leaving the windows open. The main reason is open windows elevate aerodynamic drag, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
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Does AC put strain on engine?

Air conditioning actually creates more engine heat in the engine compartment as there is more strain on the engine to operate the AC compressor. The engine's serpentine belt drives the AC compressor, which requires more energy from the engine.
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Do cars lose power with AC on?

Since less air is entering the engine, it isn't getting enough oxygen-rich fuel to run smoothly. This is why your car loses power when you turn on the AC, and it might even stall completely if the problem gets bad enough.
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Should you turn off AC when turning off car?

In short, no, you do not have to turn your air conditioning off before turning off your vehicle. That being said, it never hurts to disable electrical systems, including the fan, before switching off the ignition.
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Does AC affect transmission?

The tranny is not affected by the AC. The AC puts more load on the engine which slows it down.
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Does high AC waste more gas?

Using AC in hot cars causes the engine to use more fuel. The AC will first work to eliminate the heat before working properly to cool the vehicle. The more the AC works, the more the engine works, the more gas you use.
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How much HP does AC use car?

In a modern automobile, the A/C system will use around 4 horsepower (3 kW) of the engine's power, thus increasing fuel consumption of the vehicle.
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What does AC delete mean?

This AC Delete cover will allow you to remove your original Factory Air Conditioning evaporator box, and at the same time maintain the use of your heater and defrost system. There are several different models that will fit most GM classic muscle cars and trucks.
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How long can I keep my car AC on while my engine is running but car is parked?

As long as the engine is running and you aren't running low on fuel, you can keep your car idling with the AC on for as long as you'd like. However, you will want to avoid doing this with the engine off, as this will use up almost all of your battery power in a short time, leaving you in need of a jumpstart.
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Can I sleep in my car with the AC running?

You can leave your car running while you sleep but it is not safe to do so. Running your car's AC while you sleep can be damaging to your health and can cause the engine to overheat. It is strongly advised that if you want to sleep in your car you should turn the engine off.
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Why does my car vibrate when I turn on AC?

When you turn on the air conditioner, components such as idle speed and air control motor are activated by the vehicle engine. Because of the high-tech insulation, forced induction (compressor) systems put extra strain on engines and can result in vibration when the load goes above a certain limit.
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Does running the AC drain a car battery?

Turning on the AC puts an additional load on the entire system resulting in the deficiency in the charging system further draining the battery.
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Is it bad to use AC while parked?

Avoid placing a strain on your car's cooling and electrical systems during these end-of-summer months. Pre-cooling your vehicle might seem like a good idea, but it'll waste plenty of fuel and time. It's far better to be driving while you're cooling off the inside of your car.
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Should you open car windows before turning on AC?

Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car. Open the windows after you enter your car and then after a couple of minutes, turn ON the AC. Here's why: According to research, the car's dashboard, seats, a/c ducts, in fact ALL of the plastic objects in your vehicle, emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin.
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Does AC make engine hotter?

Automotive air conditioning (AC) will cause the engine to run hotter in the summer because it creates more heat in the engine compartment and there will be more strain on the engine to operate the AC compressor.
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Does AC lower mpg?

Under very hot conditions, AC use can reduce a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25%, particularly on short trips. The AC's effect on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs) can be even larger on a percentage basis. Driving with your windows down can also reduce fuel economy.
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How much extra fuel does AC use?

Air conditioning, on the other hand, uses a compressor connected to the belt of the engine in order to function. This consumes energy, and therefore, petrol. It consumes between approximately 0.2 litres and 1 litre of petrol per each 100 km.
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Do you waste gas if your car is on and parked?

As a matter of fact, allowing your car to idle for two minutes is equivalent of driving a mile. You can waste almost a gallon of gas if you leave your car idling for more than an hour. Burns up oil. Longer time leaving your engine running causes more motor oil to be circulated and burned up.
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Can I remove my AC compressor and still drive?

You will be fine as long as you don't need or want AC in your car. Your AC pulley is a free spinning pulley that has a clutch on it. It will spin freely until you turn the air conditioning on. If the clutch doesn't work properly, you will still be able to drive your car.
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