Does it damage your car if you start the engine with the air conditioner or the heater turned on?

Answer by  Karthon (403)

No. It does not damage your engine although it puts some load on the engine. However, the compressor for the air conditioner or heater automatically shuts off if there's too much load on it. This means that it will turn itself off or at least turn itself down when you're starting your car.

Answer by  worker8818 (30)

Air conditioner or the heater turned on before the start of the car engine surely it reduces or damage the car engine capacity. For every time you should start the engine first and use to start switch on the ac or heater.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

It does put a lot of stress on your engine. It makes it harder than normal to spin the engine. Also if you live in a colder climate you can actually bust the heater core if you turn the heater on before it is warm.

Answer by  heather88 (1897)

I don't think it does. It shouldn't do anything to the car, but if you are worried about it ask a person who knows about whether or not it would.