A/C and Gas - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

munchini · 04-26-2004, 02:31 PM

I've been hearing a long time that if you use your car's air conditioner, your engine would have to work harder and thus increase the rate in which your gas will be used up - And with the rising gas prices not going down any time soon i was wondering if using the A/C really does use gas (in general and if anyone knows, if it affects my car (89 camry) )

thanks in advance!

DEI37 · 04-26-2004, 02:46 PM

Yes. Especially around town. On the highway, it isn't quite so bad, but it can still be a 1-3mpg hit. The city cycle takes a bigger hit, maybe 2-5mpg depending on what you drive, and how.

Ramega · 04-26-2004, 03:54 PM

FWIW, my college physics instructor said that driving most cars with all the windows down (on the highway) eats about the same amount of gas as using the A/C. So you might as well be comfortable on those long trips (and be able to hear the radio).

madsenj37 · 04-27-2004, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ramega
FWIW, my college physics instructor said that driving most cars with all the windows down (on the highway) eats about the same amount of gas as using the A/C. So you might as well be comfortable on those long trips (and be able to hear the radio).

My driving instructor said almost the same thing, except that having the windows down could actually cause worse mileage than max a/c (keyword is could, not will).

qtpye4u84 · 04-27-2004, 02:00 AM

yes, it makes it harder and it lowers your mpg.

Cynthetiq · 04-27-2004, 08:13 AM

can't you tell when you are going up a hill with the AC on and you turn it off it's like boost!

Scorps · 04-27-2004, 08:18 AM

Thats why I never have A/C on my any of my cars, no need for it, thats why your car has windows that roll down!

pocon1 · 04-27-2004, 10:02 AM

Pain train, you live in Ontario. I live near the armpit of America, known as washington DC. Last year we had many days with heat over 90 deg. f. with humidity over 90%. This started in May of last year. I have one car that does not have ac, and you stick to the seats. Click and Clack also say that windows down is about the same as the ac on.

Peryn · 04-27-2004, 11:05 AM

Windows rolling down is ok, but when its 105 in the shade (as it looks like it will be again today), its like driving in a blast furnace. Its almost colder letting the inside of the car heat up than rolling down the windows and forcing the heat in.

kazoo · 04-27-2004, 04:22 PM

Here I was, wondering from the thread title if the OP wanted to know the efficacy of A/C when a trouser growl had been let.

Vaultboy · 04-30-2004, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kazoo
Here I was, wondering from the thread title if the OP wanted to know the efficacy of A/C when a trouser growl had been let.

04-26-2004, 02:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
munchini Psycho Location: Chair	A/C and Gas I've been hearing a long time that if you use your car's air conditioner, your engine would have to work harder and thus increase the rate in which your gas will be used up - And with the rising gas prices not going down any time soon i was wondering if using the A/C really does use gas (in general and if anyone knows, if it affects my car (89 camry) ) thanks in advance!

04-26-2004, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	Yes. Especially around town. On the highway, it isn't quite so bad, but it can still be a 1-3mpg hit. The city cycle takes a bigger hit, maybe 2-5mpg depending on what you drive, and how. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

04-27-2004, 02:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
qtpye4u84 Flavor+noodles Location: oregon	yes, it makes it harder and it lowers your mpg. __________________ The QTpie

04-27-2004, 08:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	can't you tell when you are going up a hill with the AC on and you turn it off it's like boost! __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

04-27-2004, 11:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	Windows rolling down is ok, but when its 105 in the shade (as it looks like it will be again today), its like driving in a blast furnace. Its almost colder letting the inside of the car heat up than rolling down the windows and forcing the heat in. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

04-26-2004, 03:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ramega Crazy	FWIW, my college physics instructor said that driving most cars with all the windows down (on the highway) eats about the same amount of gas as using the A/C. So you might as well be comfortable on those long trips (and be able to hear the radio).

04-27-2004, 08:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	Thats why I never have A/C on my any of my cars, no need for it, thats why your car has windows that roll down!

04-27-2004, 10:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	Pain train, you live in Ontario. I live near the armpit of America, known as washington DC. Last year we had many days with heat over 90 deg. f. with humidity over 90%. This started in May of last year. I have one car that does not have ac, and you stick to the seats. Click and Clack also say that windows down is about the same as the ac on.

04-27-2004, 04:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Here I was, wondering from the thread title if the OP wanted to know the efficacy of A/C when a trouser growl had been let. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy