Is it true that when you have your windows down in the car its the same as having the a/c on? Wasting gas?

Answer 1

There was an episode on Mythbusters about this one (one of my favorite shows, I'm a nerd). They put the same amount of fuel into identical cars, then drove at the same speed under the same conditions (one with A/C on and windows up, the other with A/C off and windows down).

It turned out that the car with the A/C on ran out of fuel much more quickly than that car with its windows down.

The reason for this is that most cars aren't too aerodynamic to begin with (although they're getting better), so driving with the windows down typically doesn't increase the drag on the car as much as one might expect.

However, this could vary somewhat depending on if you have a sports car or it's a windy day. There are a number of valid reasons for using the A/C instead of the rolling the windows, but saving fuel is not among them.

Answer 2

Not at all. If you are trying to save gas and keep your cool then you should always drive in the city with the windows down and the a/c off and drive on the highway with the windows up and the a/c on.

The reason for this is drag. The faster your car is going, the more it has to work hard to go against the wind = drag.

In the city, you are not going fast so the car doesn't have to work hard to stay at a high speed.

On the highway, the car is going very fast and rolled down windows all the air to go into the cabin which slows down the car by creating drag inside the car.

Answer 3

having windows up makes the car more aerodynamic. Driving with the windows down causes drag when the wind catches in the car, meaning you are using more gas to go the same speed than if you were driving with the windows up. I saw a report done on this once on TV and they said that either option uses roughly the same amount of fuel, so it doesn't really matter which one you choose.

Answer 4

Depends entirely on the car. If you are driving a box kite with wheels, also know as a VW Transporter, it won't matter if the windows are up or down because it slow down with every gentle breeze.

Bottom line, want to save the most? A/C off and windows up.

Answer 5

no it is not the same having your windows down cause drag and an air pocket, straining your and forcing it to work harder thus wasting more gas. + using a/c you will feel the temperature decrease more than it would if you rolled your windows down.

Answer 6

Apparently the drag caused by open windows interrupting the smooth air flow around the vehicle does force the use of extra energy (gas). A/C uses, what, about 7 hp? I am not sure if they are equal, but open windows is a factor.

Answer 7

No.... using the AC puts a big load on your car and uses alot more gas.... there really isn't a drag on your car until you are going 60 mph and more, with the windows open...... and still the AC uses more gas.

Answer 8

I saw a tv program about that on Good Morning America. They said that because the windows are down, it makes the car less airodynamic. And todays ACs are more efficient. I say do what ever the hell you want.

Answer 9

I think I can solve this problem, If you can drive only at night when it is cooler you will not have to use your a/c and have your window down just a little bit if needed will save the most gas.
I think this is your best answer.

Give it a try
Oldman

Answer 10

It relies upon on your motor vehicle. in the previous 10 years, technologies with climate systems has very much more desirable. as we communicate, it easily relies upon on the layout of your motor vehicle. SUV's tend to be effected extra simply by vast section in the rear that drags air. autos and automobiles are often much less effected. yet, the version between the two is on prevalent .02 to .a million mpg.