So should A/C be turned off before car shut down?

[shane]

Hey all,

Should the A/C be turned off just prior to the car being turned off?

In hot climates (like Arizona in summer time) should the A/C be left in the on position while the car is turned off to let vents “breath”?

So whats the deal with leaving the A/C on or off in hot climates?

My 2003 Mazda Tribute manual says this…..

“Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be
left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet
duct.”

Topic

[Bill]

There is a lot of condensation produced by the A/C in hot, humid weather. By following what the manual explains it allows outside air to enter the system when vehicle is parked to dry it out, thus preventing mould growth and musty smells on start up.

[shane]

I was wondering why the air was always smelly and musty when I use to set A/C in OFF setting before I shut down the engine….haha

I live in a hot humid climate so bacteria growth thrives here.

On another car forum one guy posted this response concerning Ford based cars (I have a Mazda Tribute)and how their A/C system works as compared to other cars.

“”””Ford (along with some other makes, and definitely the OP’s Ford-based Mazda Tribute) has a “Recirculate” setting that recirculates air with the A/C off, an “A/C” setting that runs the A/C with fresh air, and a “Max A/C” setting which runs the A/C with recirculation.

Many people do not know that “Max A/C” means they’re on recirculate with the A/C compressor on.

In modern A/C systems (with electronically controlled blend doors instead of the old cable-operated setups and a microchip controlling fan speed instead of a resistor in the fan speed knob) the “Max A/C” generally also forces the fan to “High” and selects only the dash vents.””””

I set mine to A/C now to ensure that the vents are opened when the vehicle is parked in the hot sun.

[college man]

Leaving the ac off before starting will reduce engine load
while stating. once started click that sucker on. 🙂

[Author]

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