For many drivers, turning off the AC before turning off the car engine has become a kind of "mandatory ritual." They say it's to preserve the battery and prevent the electrical system from deteriorating quickly. But is it really important, or just a myth that has become widely believed?

Let's examine the myths and facts together, so you can understand what really happens behind your car's AC button.

What Happens If You Turn Off the Engine While the AC Is Still Running?

In older cars, turning off the engine while the AC is still running can cause some components to work extra hard. When the AC is turned off, the cooling fan usually continues to run because the engine temperature has not stabilized. If the engine is turned off immediately, the cooling circulation also stops.

As a result, heat from the engine can become trapped and cause the cylinder head or engine block to expand. Over time, this can lead to engine overheating and even damage vital components.

Therefore, in older cars without an automatic temperature control system, it is recommended to turn off the AC a few seconds before turning off the engine. This allows the engine temperature to drop and the cooling system to function optimally.

Modern Cars No Longer Need to Turn Off the AC First

But don't worry, this rule is no longer relevant for today's cars.

Modern cars are equipped with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) system that automatically regulates the entire electrical and cooling systems. So, even if the AC is still on when the engine is turned off or restarted, the system remains safe.

Modern AC technology is also more robust. It is designed to continue functioning in extreme temperatures without affecting engine performance. In addition, the automatic temperature control system makes the balance between cabin and engine cooling more efficient.

In short, for new cars, there is no need to turn off the AC before turning off the engine. However, for older cars, this habit can still be a wise precaution.

Maintain Your Car's AC to Prevent Battery Drain

Even if you have a modern car, that doesn't mean you can neglect the AC system.

The AC's heavy performance when the engine is first started can put extra strain on the battery, especially if it is already weak. So, for cars with old batteries, it is safer to turn off the AC before turning off the engine. This reduces the risk of battery drain or electrical system failure.

Additionally, AC maintenance should not be overlooked. Components such as the cabin filter and evaporator must be checked regularly. A dirty filter can cause the AC to not cool properly and make the cabin air unhealthy. Typically, component replacement is recommended every 30,000 kilometers to keep the system performing optimally.

Conclusion

So, should you turn off the AC before the engine? The answer depends on your car type. If you still drive an old car or have a weak battery, it's best to turn off the AC first. But if your car is modern and has an advanced ECU system, there's no need to worry.

The most important thing is to maintain the AC system regularly. Ultimately, it's not about whether you turn off the AC first or not, but how you keep the electrical and cooling systems healthy so your car is always ready to go whenever you need it. 

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Matikan AC Sebelum Mesin Mobil: Wajib, atau Cuma Kebiasaan Lama?

Buat banyak pengemudi, kebiasaan mematikan AC sebelum mematikan mesin mobil sudah jadi semacam “ritual wajib”. Katanya sih biar aki awet dan sistem kelistrikan nggak cepat rusak. Tapi, beneran penting, atau cuma mitos yang sudah terlanjur dipercaya?

Yuk, kita bedah bareng mitos dan faktanya, biar tahu apa sebenarnya yang terjadi di balik tombol AC mobil kamu.

Kalau Mesin Dimatikan Saat AC Masih Nyala, Apa yang Terjadi?

Pada mobil-mobil lama, mematikan mesin dengan AC masih menyala bisa bikin beberapa komponen kerja ekstra. Saat AC dimatikan, kipas pendingin biasanya masih berputar karena suhu mesin belum stabil. Nah, kalau mesin langsung dimatikan, artinya sirkulasi pendinginan juga berhenti.

Akibatnya, panas dari mesin bisa terjebak dan bikin kepala silinder atau blok mesin memuai. Dalam jangka panjang, hal ini bisa bikin mesin overheat dan bahkan merusak komponen vital.

Makanya, di mobil jadul yang belum punya sistem pengaturan suhu otomatis, disarankan matikan AC beberapa detik sebelum mematikan mesin. Biar suhu mesin sempat turun dan pendinginan berjalan optimal.

Mobil Modern Nggak Perlu Lagi Ribet Matikan AC Dulu

Tapi tenang, aturan itu sudah nggak relevan buat mobil zaman sekarang.

Mobil-mobil modern udah dilengkapi sistem ECU (Electronic Control Unit) yang mengatur seluruh sistem kelistrikan dan pendinginan secara otomatis. Jadi, meskipun AC masih nyala saat mesin dimatikan atau dihidupkan lagi, sistemnya tetap aman.

Teknologi AC modern juga lebih tangguh. Dirancang buat tetap berfungsi di suhu ekstrem tanpa mengganggu performa mesin. Ditambah lagi, sistem kontrol suhu otomatis bikin keseimbangan antara pendinginan kabin dan mesin jadi lebih efisien.

Singkatnya, buat mobil keluaran baru, nggak perlu lagi repot matikan AC dulu sebelum matikan mesin. Tapi buat mobil tua, kebiasaan ini tetap bisa jadi langkah pencegahan yang bijak.

Rawat AC Mobil Biar Nggak Bikin Aki Tekor

Nah, meskipun kamu punya mobil modern, bukan berarti sistem AC bisa dibiarkan begitu aja.

Kinerja AC yang berat saat mesin baru dinyalakan bisa kasih beban ekstra ke aki, terutama kalau aki udah lemah. Jadi, buat mobil dengan aki tua, lebih aman matikan AC dulu sebelum matikan mesin. Ini ngurangin risiko aki tekor atau sistem kelistrikan ngadat.

Selain itu, perawatan AC juga jangan disepelekan. Komponen seperti filter kabin dan evaporator wajib dicek rutin. Filter yang kotor bisa bikin AC nggak dingin dan udara kabin jadi nggak sehat. Biasanya, penggantian komponen disarankan setiap 30.000 kilometer supaya kinerja sistem tetap optimal.

Kesimpulan

Jadi, apakah harus matikan AC sebelum mesin? Jawabannya tergantung jenis mobil kamu. Kalau masih pakai mobil tua atau aki udah lemah, ya, sebaiknya matikan AC dulu. Tapi kalau mobilmu sudah modern dan punya sistem ECU canggih, nggak perlu khawatir.

Yang paling penting, rawat sistem AC secara rutin. Karena pada akhirnya, bukan soal matikan AC dulu atau tidak, tapi bagaimana kamu menjaga sistem kelistrikan dan pendinginan tetap sehat, biar mobil selalu siap jalan kapan pun.