2007-10-06 23:08:47 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Depends on many factors, however opening the windows will only cause a draught, the air will basically be the same temperature, whereas the a/c system will cool it down by up to 15 degrees or so. I would prefer the a/c to be on.
2007-10-06 23:22:37 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the speed.
Air conditioning puts a relatively constant load on the engine. The amount of fuel used by AC is not directly dependent upon speed.
Having the window open uses no additional fuel when the car is not moving (AC does). However, as you increase speed, the wind resistance increases. At some point, that increased drag will be a greater load on the engine than will be the AC. This speed will vary from car to car, but it is safe to say that on the highway, AC is the way to go, in the city, windows down if you can stand it.
2007-10-07 06:19:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
MIRA did a test some while ago ( a little more precise than mythbusters!) that indicated that it's cheapest to have the windows open below about 30-35mph, above that the extra drag makes it more economical to use the aircon.
The good old saying "Window down when in town" is well-based on fact.
It's worthwhile, by the way, to run the aircon maybe once a week whether you need it or not, to keep the system exercised and lubricated.
2007-10-07 06:24:48 · answer #3 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Mythbusters, above 45mph it's the drag of open windows that is less fuel efficient. I think it was 45mph anyway. I guess a lot would depend on the aerodynamics of the car in the first place.
2007-10-07 06:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Using the A/C, because it is a direct drag on the motor,,also it creates more heat for the engine to have to deal with.
2007-10-07 06:26:30 · answer #5 · answered by toysareuskidd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just returned with my car from a country where it was very hot around 44 C, it was pretty hot .with my air con on full time in over four months it cost me a packet in petrol more then usual .
2007-10-07 06:25:59 · answer #6 · answered by JJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...and which works best whilst you are stationary in a traffic jam. Aircon or preferably Climate Control are the smarter choice.
Staying cool behind the wheel is the key to, well...staying cool behind the wheel. Keep cool, keep calm.
2007-10-07 06:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Air con probably but why worry, be comfortable, sod the expense.
2007-10-07 06:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Apparently it is having the windows open..... I read this in the Telegraph yesterday.
2007-10-07 06:13:22 · answer #9 · answered by Jojotraveller 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
depends on speed the test is done at
check out the mythbusters show, they tested this
2007-10-07 06:11:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋