2007-03-18 16:57:43 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Depends on how fast you are going. The threshold is about 45-50 mph depending on your vehicle. If you are going faster, use AC, if going slower you can roll down windows to cool off. If on the freeway with windows down, the air will create additional drag that will use more gas than AC will.
2007-03-18 17:11:08 · answer #1 · answered by rondoggnuts 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The discovery channel has done tests on this on a show called mythbusters.
The findings varied, at a slower speed the down windows were cheaper, as the speed increased, it was cheaper to run the AC than to have the windows down to increase te drag.
I don't think the numbers were all that drastic, so go either way, one is about as bad as the other. Just don't run the AC and have the windows down, lol
2007-03-19 01:33:51 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using the AC while driving of course.
2007-03-19 00:07:08 · answer #3 · answered by papabeartex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ues the ac will use more gas than driveing with the window downs but use the fans are more friendly
2007-03-19 00:22:28 · answer #4 · answered by Azn Street Racer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At highway speeds driving with the windows down will hurt gas mileage more than the a/c being on.If you are driving in the city it will be the opposite.It is all about aerodynamics and drag.
2007-03-19 00:18:24 · answer #5 · answered by bucks2743 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
driving with the ac on, you are working the ac compressor with it on which draws down on the motor using more gas
2007-03-19 00:20:03 · answer #6 · answered by kevin b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
High speed (highway) - open windows use more
Low speed (city driving) - a/c uses more
It has been already explained "why" in a good detail higher in the thread.
2007-03-19 00:30:11 · answer #7 · answered by Misha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opening windows uses gas? Have you checked your blinker fluid as of late? Don't want to get stuck with a warped door hinge on the sidewalk now do we?
2007-03-19 00:09:31 · answer #8 · answered by porsucu 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A compressor runs A/C is on/also on some auto's the defrost does also.........A/C or DEF uses more fuel!!!
2007-03-19 00:07:23 · answer #9 · answered by bridge2000@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its been shown that the A/C uses more fuel.
2007-03-19 00:02:54 · answer #10 · answered by amstarlender 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋