[BlackWolf]

The reason why you turn off the a/c before you start the car is because it puts a strain on the battery, it's an extra draw on the battery power when starting the car and why you should turn it off before you turn off the car is because more than likely you'll forget to turn it off before you start the car again and also because it gives the alternator a chance to charge up the battery before you turn the car off. What all this boils down to is trying to extend the battery life. I always turn my a/c off just before I get to where I'm going, it's still going to blow cold air for those last few minutes anyways and always leave it off before I start my car, then turn it on after the car is started. I went through a few batterys before I finally asked the a/c tech "what's going on?". He also stated that you need to have the air recycle button pushed on your dash when you've got the a/c going and to have the fresh air button pushed when you've got the heater on. The idea for the a/c recycle air button on is that you are going to be cooling already cool air so your a/c pump doesn't have to work soo hard. Plus it's better on your gas milage too. Hope this helps.