Bypass the A/C compressor has what effect on parasitic drag?

Bypass the A/C compressor has what effect on parasitic drag?

• A. To Decrease Parasitic Drag
• B. To Increase Parasitic Drag
• C. No effect on parasitic drag
• D. Would cause engine damage

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that parasitic drag comes from engine-driven accessories that rob power without directly helping propulsion. The A/C compressor is one of those accessories: when it’s driven, it adds mechanical load and a small amount of drag as the belt and gears work to spin the compressor. By bypassing the compressor, that load is removed, so the engine’s parasitic losses decrease. In short, taking the compressor out of the drive train reduces the unnecessary drag and improves efficiency. Other accessories still exist and contribute some parasitic drag, but the specific drag caused by the A/C compressor is eliminated. Bypassing it doesn’t inherently damage the engine; it simply means the A/C system isn’t being driven, which is why the drag reduction is the correct effect.

The main idea is that parasitic drag comes from engine-driven accessories that rob power without directly helping propulsion. The A/C compressor is one of those accessories: when it’s driven, it adds mechanical load and a small amount of drag as the belt and gears work to spin the compressor. By bypassing the compressor, that load is removed, so the engine’s parasitic losses decrease. In short, taking the compressor out of the drive train reduces the unnecessary drag and improves efficiency.

Other accessories still exist and contribute some parasitic drag, but the specific drag caused by the A/C compressor is eliminated. Bypassing it doesn’t inherently damage the engine; it simply means the A/C system isn’t being driven, which is why the drag reduction is the correct effect.