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ed11563


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True or False: It's OK to Start Car With Accessories Turned On
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True or False: It's OK to Start Car With Accessories Turned On

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Dear Car Talk

Oct 8, 2015 (Archives)

 
myths
Dear Car Talk:

Is it harmful to start the car if the air conditioner, radio, etc., have been left in the "on" position?

-- Stanley

Yes, that's why at the shop, we recommend to all of our customers that they leave their cars idling from May through September.

Actually, no. It's not harmful at all, Stanley. For two reasons.

First, cars automatically shut off auxiliary power while the car is cranking. So when you turn the key to crank the engine and start the car, the AC, the radio and virtually every other electrical device is shut off anyway. That allows the maximum amount of current to be directed from the battery to the starter motor, where it's needed.

Once the car starts, power is restored to the accessories, and they pick up wherever they left off.

The second reason it's not a problem is because it doesn't matter when you turn them on -- you're still turning them on. They're designed to be turned on suddenly, whether it's when you start the car, or when you flip their on-off switch.

So don't worry. None of these devices need to be gently shaken awake in the morning, like I do.


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lilyofcourse


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Really? What a stupid question.

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Lawyerlady


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You'd think. But my DH still insists on turning everything off and warming up his car - even though neither are necessary.

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Lexxy


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Lawyerlady wrote:

You'd think. But my DH still insists on turning everything off and warming up his car - even though neither are necessary.

 I still turn the A/C or heat off.  Not the radio.  It is just habit.  I was told when I first learned to drive that it put a strain on the engine if you left it on.  Obviously it was incorrect advice but I've been doing it for 30 years & it is ingrained.



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lilyofcourse


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The only time I turn the heat/air off is when I am just using the accessories, listening to the radio without the car running.



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ed11563


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For decades I've been suggesting to friends that they test their car battery by

(1) park with something in front of the car that the headlights will light up,

(2) leave the car overnight,

(3) turn on the high beam headlights,

(4) start the engine.

The light will dim a little bit while the starter is turning.

If they dim a LOT then it's probably time to replace the battery.

 

Now, I have a $25 instrument that tests the battery voltage, and will load-test the battery.

 



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flan327


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Lexxy wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:

You'd think. But my DH still insists on turning everything off and warming up his car - even though neither are necessary.

 I still turn the A/C or heat off.  Not the radio.  It is just habit.  I was told when I first learned to drive that it put a strain on the engine if you left it on.  Obviously it was incorrect advice but I've been doing it for 30 years & it is ingrained.

 I turn off the A/C but not the heat...Go figure!

flan



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