It's known that running the AC in your car eats gas. But is it eating as much gas when it's on low as it is when it's on high, or is it an all or nothing kind of pull from the engine?
2006-08-18 07:40:31 · 12 answers · asked by total.lightweight 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
No, the air compressor runs at the same speed regarless causing the same lowered mileage.
2006-08-18 07:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No difference, but you should reconsider your statement "eats gas". Using the air-conditioner in your most likely will not have any noticeable impact on your gas mileage. Unless you have a very small engine, less than 4 cylinders. I travel the same stretch of highway on a regular basis and have a newer SUT with the on board computer. According to the computer, my big a** V-8 got and average of 18 MPG for 65 miles of highway travel with the AC running. The next week I ran without the AC on. Guess what.........still had an average MPG of 18. Go figure
2006-08-18 08:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by budntequilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a really good question ! The answer depends on the vehicle.
For instance, a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, will not 'shut off the gas ' if you turn on the air conditioning.
And the Ford Escape Hybrid, has 3 a/c settings, 2 of which don't need the gas engine to operate & 1 (max ) that requires the gas engine to run.
So, it depends on the vehicle.
2006-08-18 07:53:16 · answer #3 · answered by Vicky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depend on the systems and year. Some compressors run all the time and some have a electric clutch that engages as the system call for more cooling. Running the compressor does burn extra fuel but so does running with the compressor off and the window down when running at highway speed.
2006-08-18 07:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fan speed for your AC makes no difference on how much gas it uses.
You're correct in thinking its an All or Nothing pull...
Still better than driving with the windows open though.
2006-08-18 07:46:49 · answer #5 · answered by Village Idiot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the details, but no. The compressor chills the air...it is just the fan speed blowing the cold air, and the fan speed won't save you gas from one setting to another.
I have also heard that the compressor is used when you use the defrost (even if the ac isn't on). I don't know the truth to that, but if my memory serves me right, it was from a knowledgeable source.
2006-08-18 07:47:38 · answer #6 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using A/C gets about 10 - 20 HorsePower of your cars engine ,so its not up to using it on any level , couse when you turn ac on you aircondition system , Ac systems fan start to work on level 1 , when you choose level 3 or 4 , your AC fan starts working faster , so it doesnt up to your engines Gas, if u want to use lower gas you can turn your FAN on withou AC system ,
2006-08-18 07:50:30 · answer #7 · answered by human_killers2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the kind of A/C where you set the temperature the compressor will kick on and off as needed. If you have the kind that you can only set to high, medium or low then the compressor is running all the time.
2006-08-18 07:47:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as your AC button or switch is turned on that means that your air compressor is working. It does not work any harder if you increase the power of the fan blow. The would be loosing gas non the less so might as well crank it up!
2006-08-18 07:48:10 · answer #9 · answered by Agent007ishere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes the compressor is either on or off no in between the only variable is the fan speed wich is negligable current pull from the electrical system.
2006-08-18 07:49:09 · answer #10 · answered by riksolo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋