Use air conditioning above 40 miles per hour to save gas
I've always wondered if it's more fuel efficient to have the windows down when it is hot out, or if it's better to have the air conditioning on.
The argument for the air conditioning is that putting the windows down increases aerodynamic drag resulting in less fuel economy.
The argument for the windows is that the air conditioning compressor put extra strain on the engine resulting in reduced fuel economy.
Well, no less an authority than the American Automobile Association (AAA) has finally weighed in on this debate. The result: both!
When going under 40 miles per hour, it is more efficient to have the windows down. Sadly, this also offers less cooling. When going above 40 miles per hour, it is more efficient to have the air conditioner on.
While I suspect the actual number varies by car, this seems like a good rule to keep in mind if you are worried about fuel economy.
The argument for the air conditioning is that putting the windows down increases aerodynamic drag resulting in less fuel economy.
The argument for the windows is that the air conditioning compressor put extra strain on the engine resulting in reduced fuel economy.
Well, no less an authority than the American Automobile Association (AAA) has finally weighed in on this debate. The result: both!
When going under 40 miles per hour, it is more efficient to have the windows down. Sadly, this also offers less cooling. When going above 40 miles per hour, it is more efficient to have the air conditioner on.
While I suspect the actual number varies by car, this seems like a good rule to keep in mind if you are worried about fuel economy.
| Rating: | 100% positive, 7 total Votes |
| Categories: | energy conservation Automotive |
| Added: | on May 29, 2007 at 11:13 am |
| Added By: | nut-case |
