I have heard that using the car airconditioner does NOT use more gasoline and I wonder if that is true
2007-08-06 08:27:20 · 11 answers · asked by Falzarano 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Ask yourself this then?? Just what does power the aircon?
2007-08-06 08:29:22 · answer #1 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a much debated question. To an extent it depends on the age of the car. That said for the newer cars studies seem to point to AC having very little effect on the gas mileage. Advancements in automotive technology allow it to function primarily through the electrical and vacuum systems. The consensus is that the most efficient use of AC is to use it for freeway driving since the windows are closed at the higher speeds thus increasing mileage by making the car more aerodynamic and reducing drag, then turn it off and open windows for in-town stop start traffic. That to me seems to defeat the purpose of the AC since it is while sitting in traffic that I am most affected by the heat. Most of the newer cars run the defroster through the ac compressor as well so that may be affecting the test results.
2007-08-06 08:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by navmom1995 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is not true. Regardless of what mythbusters or anyone else says, the fact is that when an additional load is applied to an engine, it takes additional fuel to pull that load and keep the car moving at a set speed. The amount of additional fuel can be debated, but not the fact .
2007-08-06 09:56:10 · answer #3 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air conditioning is causing the engine, battery, etc. to work harder esp. in a hot environment which can, if extreme cause a fluctuation in your vehicles gas mileage.
2007-08-06 08:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by Tiger C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have personally tested this in my Mustang GT. AC off mileage was 4mpg better than with it on. Tested using same stretch of highway same cruise control speed.
2007-08-06 08:52:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running your air conditioner uses more gas than having it off. However, having your windows open uses more gas than having them closed with the air conditioner running (while the car is traveling).
2007-08-06 08:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by Automation Wizard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a very small amount used, so i recently heard, AC runs on electricity, the alternator i believe recycles mechanical energy from the engine to recharge the battery. If it doesn't it should. somebody get on that.
2007-08-06 08:33:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it takes energy to run the A/C.... energy comes from fuel..so yes there is a relationship
2007-08-06 08:31:06 · answer #8 · answered by John St.Louis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt use more gas when you have your air conditioner on they proved it on Myth Busters.
2007-08-06 08:30:34 · answer #9 · answered by blue-eyez 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't know but i cant stand the heat, so crank it up.
2007-08-06 08:31:25 · answer #10 · answered by free_mark53 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋