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Due to the high price of gasoline in recent history, the media is over run with tips and hints to minimize the cost at the pumps. Some are legitimate and will actually prove to be beneficial; others are a load of, well let’s say, used motor oil. One of most common tips to come under fire is the debate on whether or not it is fuel efficient to drive using the air conditioning or if leaving the windows open is more useful. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of both options.
On the side of air conditioning causing the car to use an unnecessary amount of fuel, this fact is true. Sort of. The truth is using the car’s air conditioning does burn more gas, especially when driving in town. In this driving situation fuel consumption goes up by roughly 10%. A good rule of thumb to follow is when the car is moving at a rate of 40 mph or slower, driving with the windows down is definitely the better option for fuel efficiency. That means that for trips to the grocery store, post offices, and visiting ma and pa, drive with the windows down.
On the other side of the debate, we have the air conditioning saves on gas due to eliminating air drag on the car from the open windows. Once again, this theory is correct as well, in certain conditions. When driving on the highway or at speeds greater than 45 mph, open windows increase air drag on the car to a point where fuel efficiency is lost by up to 10%. In cases where the vehicle is running at speeds closer to 55 mph, gas inefficiency reaches the 20% mark. Very simply put, both sides of the debate are correct depending on the kind of driving in question. When town driving, leave the windows open, when highway or higher speeds driving, the AC is definitely the way to go.
Now that you know the whole truth of the matter, there are some other alternatives to improving airflow, and gas mileage, through some useful tips. Use the car’s fan on the highest setting to quickly cool the car down. The setting can always be adjusted for comfort later and using the fan has no direct effect on fuel consumption. Another helpful tip is park in a garage or shade when possible. Failing that, use windshield shades as a preventative measure to keep the car cooler. Also open the car windows and vents to fully open. This step will blow the hot air out of the car faster before cranking the air conditioning up full blast. Obviously this is a good step to helping the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Finally, take advantage of the cooling system’s recycle inside air feature. That way the air already cooled in the car is reused as opposed to drawing hot air from the outside.
Overall, the speed that the car is traveling is the major component to the AC versus open windows debate. Knowing when the air conditioner is beneficial to gas mileage is extremely useful in making the most of your car’s fuel efficiency.