a/c....track days
10-11-2015, 03:19 PM
#1
a/c....track days
Hey Guys,
Is it too much extra drain on our cars if we use the a\c while driving spiritedly? I could turn it off but I'd melt. Power loss isn't the question here. I would like to know if it causes damage to the engine through extra strain. I have a 2009 100k km. Thanks
Is it too much extra drain on our cars if we use the a\c while driving spiritedly? I could turn it off but I'd melt. Power loss isn't the question here. I would like to know if it causes damage to the engine through extra strain. I have a 2009 100k km. Thanks
10-11-2015, 04:46 PM
#2
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no.
your be fine but your temps will get higher faster and throw you into limp mode. let it cool down and do it all over again.
u cant really damage it. before somethibg goes wrong will it throw u into limp mode.
your be fine but your temps will get higher faster and throw you into limp mode. let it cool down and do it all over again.
u cant really damage it. before somethibg goes wrong will it throw u into limp mode.
10-11-2015, 05:25 PM
#3
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My local tracks don't approve of cars putting down liquids of any kind on the track. Also, they require the windows to be fully rolled down. I've used my A/C on really hot days while waiting to enter the track but not on track.
The air compressor disconnects at WOT. You won't hurt the car. The water you drip on the track is incorrect behavior as far as I'm concerned. Please ask the people in charge at the track you want to run at. I'd be surprised if it's OK with them.
Les
The air compressor disconnects at WOT. You won't hurt the car. The water you drip on the track is incorrect behavior as far as I'm concerned. Please ask the people in charge at the track you want to run at. I'd be surprised if it's OK with them.
Les
10-11-2015, 08:33 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
LOL - a couple drops of AC water on the track will have no impact. That is about like saying dust particles and rubber bits from tires are forbidden......
A track is not a clean-room.
A track is not a clean-room.
10-12-2015, 07:27 AM
#7
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10-12-2015, 07:55 AM
#8
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Usually the windows have to be down. I had it once that we agreed we could keep the windows up and give point bys with our flashers. But that was a small lapping day with only a handful drivers and it was cold.
I doubt you'll see anything like this on a larger track day.
I doubt you'll see anything like this on a larger track day.
10-12-2015, 08:46 AM
#10
The tracks I've been on specifically state both windows down and no a/c per the condensation dripping. I personally agree that's a minimal amount (per car) but maybe the tracks have learned from experience something that we don't see as a likely problem can be.
When tracking in the rain, everyone knows it is wet out and the whole track is wet. So no one will be surprised with a wet spot. When tracking on a hot day drivers expect a dry track and drive accordingly. Perhaps a wet spot at just the wrong place can cause havoc. I don't know as I've never seen such a spin out.
I was on CoTA in Feb of this year and Austin was cold. First sessions were at around 36 degrees and it was misty/rainy. They gave no concessions. Both windows down or don't go out.
I'll be back out there on the Sunday following F1. So far the forecast is looking fabulous. Can't wait to try out the new Potenza Re-71R's!
When tracking in the rain, everyone knows it is wet out and the whole track is wet. So no one will be surprised with a wet spot. When tracking on a hot day drivers expect a dry track and drive accordingly. Perhaps a wet spot at just the wrong place can cause havoc. I don't know as I've never seen such a spin out.
I was on CoTA in Feb of this year and Austin was cold. First sessions were at around 36 degrees and it was misty/rainy. They gave no concessions. Both windows down or don't go out.
I'll be back out there on the Sunday following F1. So far the forecast is looking fabulous. Can't wait to try out the new Potenza Re-71R's!
10-12-2015, 02:49 PM
#11
I actually wish I had a track in my area. When driving in the twisties or on the track you are not always at WOT. Doesn't driving hard with the A/C on put extra strain on the engine regardless of high temps?
10-12-2015, 09:20 PM
#12
Senior Member
Guys,
The main reason for not allowing you to run the AC while on track has nothing to do with condensation. A lot of cars don't disconnect the AC clutch at WOT and they can desintigrate and lock up after repeated high RPM runs. This causes belts to be thrown violently and can lead to overheats that can cause blown engines (fluids) on track in very short order.
The main reason for not allowing you to run the AC while on track has nothing to do with condensation. A lot of cars don't disconnect the AC clutch at WOT and they can desintigrate and lock up after repeated high RPM runs. This causes belts to be thrown violently and can lead to overheats that can cause blown engines (fluids) on track in very short order.
10-14-2015, 01:32 AM
#14
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The groups I run with require driver and passenger windows down. Two things-- visibility to other drivers and safety-if you have to crawl out of the car after a "problem."
10-14-2015, 07:00 AM
#16
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Fortunately cold weather is not an issue in our cars, even with windows open. Once you run and wear a jacket and a helmet it can be freezing and you'll still be fine.
10-14-2015, 07:06 AM
#17
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