2006-07-21 14:51:49 · 20 answers · asked by Rollie_D 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
The ac compressor is operated via a belt driven off the engine. The amount of horsepower is the same no manner the type of car it takes the same amount.
In the Phoenix,AZ area the AC must be kept on all the time because of the heat here during the summer. 118 degrees yesterday. I loose approximately 15-20% in mpg running the AC
The percentage of the total horsepower will make a difference in the amount of loss in mpg since the engine doesn't have to work as hard to overcome the the additional load from the AC
Bottom line answer is YES you really lower you MPG using your cars AC
2006-07-22 03:25:34 · answer #1 · answered by .*. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using the AC pulls power from the engine, making it work harder (use more fuel) to maintain a given speed.
At low speeds (like normal stop and go city traffic) you get better mileage by driving with the windows down and no AC. However at highway speeds the open windows create considerable drag and decrease your mileage. Close the windows and use the AC on the highway.
2006-07-21 15:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by M&M37909 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does, because the AC compressor has a lot of resistance. The heavier load on the engine requires more energy from the gasoline.
But, driving around with your windows down also creates air resistance (drag) at higher speeds.
Me, I'll take the AC.
2006-07-21 14:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by Skeptimystic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BOY HOWDY!! I can even watch the fuel go down if it's on max. You are running a little engine when you have the ac on which needs to have power to run. That power comes from your fuel, in a 'round-about way so yes, you are suffering fuel loss when you use the ac. Sorry!!
2006-07-21 14:57:06 · answer #4 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The next generation of cars are answering your question. Literally! Right now, if you had the right car, you could just ask your car the question. With advanced voice recognition, computer aided navigation, heads up displays, etc., cars are quickly adapting. I was completely blown away when I test-drove a Toyota Prius. The navigational controls and computer wizardry was an "awe" factor. As you drive, the car tells you when to shift gear for the max efficiency! It blew me away.
2006-07-21 15:03:10 · answer #5 · answered by 5375 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have found that if you are traveling and a speed less that 40 mph, it is more efficient to run with the windows down vs. the AC. However, if you are going faster than 40 mph, the increase in wind drag/resistance in less efficient running with the windows down than AC. so if your idling or going over 40 mph continuously, stick to the A/C, if just putting around, drop the windows.
2006-07-21 14:59:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does. Your car uses more energy while running the ac.
2006-07-21 14:55:38 · answer #7 · answered by renthead0505 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it wastes more fuel in stop and go traffic.
I'm sure you feel the loss of power when you try to accelerate.
while in highway speeds, though, it is more fuel efficient than having the windows open.
stop and go = ac off, windows down
highway = ac on, windows up
2006-07-21 15:05:02 · answer #8 · answered by Rigger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it uses some power. So your engine needs to produce more power to go the same speed than without it, hence using more petrol/gas.
2006-07-21 14:55:14 · answer #9 · answered by lazwatson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you go through gas alot faster when useing ac
2006-07-21 15:02:13 · answer #10 · answered by jak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋