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Car Air Conditioning: Demystifying Compressor Use at Idle vs. Driving
A recent video by automotive expert Juan José Ebenezer, founder of Talleres Ebenezer, sheds light on the optimal way to use a car's air conditioning system, specifically addressing concerns about compressor wear. The mechanic distinguishes between two primary types of AC compressors: those with magnetic pulleys, common in older vehicles, and the fixed-pulley systems found in most modern cars. According to Ebenezer, older magnetic pulley compressors engage and disengage their internal components through a magnetic clutch. When activated at lower engine revolutions, such as during idling, the coupling mechanism experiences less stress due to a smaller difference in rotational speeds. This could, theoretically, offer a slight benefit in terms of wear. However, for the vast majority of vehicles on the road today, which are equipped with fixed-pulley compressors, the scenario is different. These compressors are constantly driven by the engine, and their activation is managed by an internal valve that regulates gas flow, rather than a clutch engaging the pulley. Therefore, whether the air conditioning is turned on at idle or while the car is in motion, the compressor's operation is internally regulated, and there is no significant difference in wear on the pulley itself. Ebenezer emphasizes that modern car systems are designed to manage the compressor's load efficiently, regardless of the vehicle's speed or engine RPM. This clarification aims to alleviate common misconceptions among car owners regarding AC usage and its impact on component longevity.
