Is it bad to turn your engine in your car on or off with the air conditioning, heat and/or radio powered on? I have always turned the fan off and the power to the radio and other things off before shutting off my car. My husband thinks I am crazy, but I have heard that leaving these things on is bad on the alternator.
Anyone know?
2007-03-29 15:14:41 · 6 answers · asked by tab42104 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
When you're starting the vehicle, the ignition switch will automatically cut the power to accessories that aren't required for starting the engine. This almost always includes things like the radio, climate controls, windshield wipers, etc. After the engine is running, the alternator shouldn't have a problem generating enough power for a normal accessory load.
In other words, you don't need to turn off those devices because the key switch will do it for you.
2007-03-29 15:46:34 · answer #1 · answered by KaeZoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good idea, the alternator will be carrying a load as soon as the engine is started. If the air is on, it makes it a little harder for the starter to turn the engine over. So I'd say your right to do this, turning everything off.
2007-03-29 15:30:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A/C should be off.It's not bad for the alternator,though.Your motor doesn't need the extra drag at start-up.Other than that,your hubby is right.Sorry.The starting circuit is unaffected by accesories.
2007-03-29 15:24:40 · answer #3 · answered by doug s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You arent crazy, starting the car with these things on puts a strain on the charging system i.e battery, alternator.
2007-03-29 15:21:52 · answer #4 · answered by Harry 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably won't make that much of a difference, but I think your smart for turning them off. C.
2007-03-29 15:19:46 · answer #5 · answered by 1000 Man Embassy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its absolutly fine to leave that all on and turn the car on.
2007-03-29 15:20:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋