2007-06-03 08:10:29 · 18 answers · asked by White Rapper 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
To answer your question it doesn't waste it but it does use it.
Your A.C system works by engaging your A.C compressor to pump the freon to get you the cooled air through your vents.
Running the compressor causes an extra drag or load on the engine which in turns uses fuel.
I live in Florida so I have compared the costs of driving with and without the A.C. and the mileage loss is small compared to the comfort received by using the A.C.
To compare the cost you could make a small trip with the ac on and then check your mpg then do the same mileage with the ac off and then compare the difference.
You should find isn't as much as you would think for the newer A.C. units are quite efficient. Then you could make an educated decision if the Air conditioning is worth the extra gas you would need to run it.
Quick tip: run your A.C. on max and in the recirculating position and the fan on low or medium. The slower the fan the colder the air out of the vents. When the temperature in the car is comfortable you can then cycle the air conditioner either on or off to maintain your comfort.
Just remember when the air is on the compressor can engage causing drag in the engine and when off there will be no drag.
2007-06-03 08:34:13 · answer #1 · answered by motorheadbill54 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought so until I seen on the news an article about saving gas tips..... they said that your car does not use more gas when the AC is on... not only that but they said actually you waste more gas when you have your windows down because that causes pressure in the opposite direction of which you are driving which makes your car work harder.
2007-06-03 08:15:47 · answer #2 · answered by JJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people have said that in the past but I recently heard on the news that its just a myth and that it does NOT use any more gas than if the AC was turned off. They claim having the windows down and going at a higher speed uses more gas than the windows up and AC on.
2007-06-03 08:13:33 · answer #3 · answered by ►►BLOGGER◄◄ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can have a large impact on the fuel economy. But it varies from car to car. If you have a car with a large, powerful engine, the AC won't make as much difference. But your fuel economy probably isn't that good to start off with then. In a car with a small engine it can make the engine work pretty hard to drive and operate the AC, so it can make a significant difference. I think I read somewhere that it can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 20% on max, depending on the car. You can always test it. Drive one tank of gas with and one without the AC on and see what kind of mileage change you get.
2007-06-03 08:15:39 · answer #4 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw a program on TV that said, "If you don't use your air conditioner, you will have your windows down which will cause your vehicle not to be as streamlined. You will use just as much gas using your air conditioner or having the windows down".
It seemed to make sense to me.
2007-06-03 08:16:54 · answer #5 · answered by Oenophile... (Lynn) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - I always go through a tank of gas faster in summer when the AC is cranked up.
2007-06-03 08:13:23 · answer #6 · answered by Signilda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To reduce fuel usage, turn the ac off. It does cause a car to use abour 30% more gas or more.
2016-04-01 00:07:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know for sure but I get worse gas milage in the summer when I run the AC then in the winter when I don't
2007-06-03 09:20:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear white rapper im not sure be coz id have a car but i have heard of this car promblem b4 you need to go with a pro mechanic and c wats up.
2007-06-03 08:13:48 · answer #9 · answered by nuttymunkeyjunkey 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not gas. The battery power. Just roll down the windows.
2007-06-03 08:13:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋