2007-08-23 08:24:12 · 11 answers · asked by jakesp35 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
When the A/C compressor is engaged, it is running off the crankshaft of the engine. Your engine then has to use power to run the compressor, power that would normally be used to spin the wheels. So the engine has to use more power to get the same performance.
So, if you drive to have the same performance, then using A/C does use more gas. But, if you apply the same using the same throttle as without A/C and live with the performance loss, then you won't use any more gas.
Plus, as everyone says, if you're on the highway it uses less gas to use A/C, since you have less wind drag with the windows closed.
2007-08-23 08:35:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air conditioner pulls alot of power to run the compressor, so it does cause your gas mileage to go down. How much impact depends on the car you have. In most cars it doesn't really cause enough of a problem to stop people from using it.
2007-08-23 15:32:22 · answer #2 · answered by rose1077 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running your A/C does cost you in terms of gas mileage. It takes power to run the A/C compressor. If you're talking about running the A/C versus the drag caused by opening the windows, the studies I've seen show that the savings from opening the windows are very small.
Rick
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com
2007-08-23 15:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't waste gas if you're hotttt...lol What happens is that since you're running the air, it takes more power to go the speed you wish to go, say if you didn't have the air on. Meaning, you have to press down on the gas peddle a little faster to get your speed up. But, it's also said that you use just as much when you have your windows down because of wind drag. So, if you're hottt, it won't really matter that much.
2007-08-23 15:32:56 · answer #4 · answered by simone n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running the a/c will ABSOLUTELY hurt your fuel economy. The bigger and more powerful the engine the LESS it will affect it.
Econo-boxes suffer the most. We have an 2004 Prius, when ever I run the a/c the economy drops close to 10 MPG.
Most typical 4 cylinder cars will probably drop 2-5 MPG. The prius is an extreme example.
2007-08-23 15:31:26 · answer #5 · answered by 25 years experience! # 2!!!!!!!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not a myth. A/C will waste a lot of gas. the engine has another part working so it produces more gas. also the myth that a car with a flat tire waste more gas. that myth is true also
2007-08-23 15:41:08 · answer #6 · answered by Sammwise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I won't say that it wastes gas, it just uses more. You are turning a compressor and that takes energy and the energy is supplied by the engine and it takes gas to make the energy. Depends on your point of view, but with the extreme heat in the summer, if may be worth it.
good luck.
2007-08-23 15:31:44 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Running the AC will cost about 5% more in gas, If you consider that a waste then is. I consider it the cost of being comfy. My attention is better, and the road rage doesnt kick in so often.
2007-08-23 15:37:17 · answer #8 · answered by merrill r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This was a myth tested by Myth Busters:
http://tacinept.com/IPB/index.php?s=f8aa5cb8f2d66cec3ef7bd587739301a&showtopic=2028&pid=14751&st=0&#entry14751
2007-08-23 15:32:43 · answer #9 · answered by Ashlie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no its not a myth.when you engage the air conditioning it causes the belt to start turning the unit .it will pull down the rpm some and causes gas mileage to go down.
2007-08-23 15:42:59 · answer #10 · answered by kattlepie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋