Does starting a car with the A/C and radio turned on weaken the alternator?

I have a friend who said his mechanic told him that starting the car with the A/C and radio in the "on" position will wear the alternator out faster. Any mechanics want to answer this if it is true or not? Please site sources if possible.

Does starting a car with the A/C and radio turned on weaken the alternator?
The alternator will not be hurt at all, but you are putting extra strain on the engine/starter, and the battery. Its best to leave your accessories off when staring your car. Hope this helps.
Reply:stupid answer, great for you. Report It

Reply:maybe the batterie first
Reply:no the A/C works off of the same belt as the alternator. It just works harder on the motor. Maybe from it pulling harder on the motor it doesnt run the alternator as fast and therefore doesnt charge the battery as quick. but does no harm to the alternator. He's feeding you a line.
Reply:No. How could it? When the key is turned to start position, all the accessories are in the off position. Does your radio play with the key in start? No. Does the A/C run with the key in start? Again, no. I doubt you would hear that comment from a mechanic. Perhaps from a friend claiming his mechanic said it, as in your case....
Reply:No, when you engage the starter, the voltage regulator redirects the juice from nonessential components to the starter for maximum volts. You'll notice that the radio and a/c are off when the engine is cranking.
Reply:nope. wont hurt it. i like your choice of cars.none better by the way, if you havent checked already, check your engine cradle on the drivers side. particularly the area where the comytol arm hooks on to it. has a habit of rusting out in that area and dropping a left front wheel. look good. been there
Reply:no, the battery is the right object that will be affected. the alternator supplies electricity to the car while running only.





I don't have to have a link, I forgot more than you now know.





believe it or not!
Reply:Never heard of this. I have been driving since 1968 and leave them on all the time, current car is 7 years old, never had an alternator go out yet.
Reply:The only reason to turn off the radio and A/C or heater fan is to be able to hear any funny noises your car may be making while starting the car. If you catch the noises early, you can avoid being stranded, a tow to the shop, or making the problem worse. It won't affect the alternator, battery, or anything else in your car. Your friends mechanic is a retard
Reply:I wouldn't count on it. Sounds like the sort of thing that seems logical (so people spread it around), but has no real basis.





Maybe there is some theoretical thinking that turning these off will ease the load on the alternator, but I'll bet any difference is too small to measure.