I drive a 2003 Mini Cooper and it's starting to act really wierd. The air conditioner is cooling off completly and at first I thought it was just because it's extreamly hot outside...we have been lingering around the 100's the past few weeks.
Now however, I am not getting the gas milage I should be. I can usually go just over 300 miles per gallon, but today my gas light came on at 245 miles. Last week it came on at 250.
My car also feels like it is lagging when I am trying to accelorate. It seems like it just isn't wanting to go.
I had an oil change the first of June, so I really don't think it could be that. Could it be my raidator?
2007-07-17 07:20:35 · 6 answers · asked by minicoop_jen 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I meant my air conditioner "isn't" cooling off.
2007-07-17 07:42:37 · update #1
maybe get a tune up and the ac re-charged
2007-07-17 07:28:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Running the AC at full-bore puts an extra lag on your engine. This is especially true in cars with smaller engines such as the Mini. The result is sluggish acceleration and slightly lower gas mileage.
Probably the reason you are seeing such a major drop in your MPG is because you are changing your driving habits. With the lag on the engine, you are having to press the gas pedal much harder to achieve the same acceleration as you are used to. This causes you to burn through a tank of gas much quicker.
So the answer is no, there is nothing wrong with your car (definitely not with your radiator). If you want to improve your MPG, just take it easy while you have the air conditioner running.
2007-07-17 07:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by j c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The engine spins the compressor, which causes the engine to work harder, which uses more fuel. If there have been a string of 100+ days, you probably used the A/C every day which accounts for the decrease in gas mileage.
2007-07-17 07:28:40 · answer #3 · answered by Rich 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using your air conditioner makes the engine work harder and it will use more gas.
2007-07-17 07:25:28 · answer #4 · answered by redd headd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Still Under Warranty?" Sounds like it needs a Transmission Fluid & Filter Change! (Dealer if Warranty)
2016-05-20 15:25:26 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try changing the airfilter it can cause you to use more fuel when it is dirty and will cause your car to lose horsepower...Good Luck
2007-07-17 07:27:17 · answer #6 · answered by Big Deall 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋