Nature's Air Conditioning

Does it really save gas to roll down your windows instead of flipping on the AC?


"Like most people, I crank up my car's air conditioning on hot summer days. But my wife has recently been tsk-tsking me for this practice—she says the AC wastes too much $4-a-gallon gas, and that we should roll down the windows instead. But I've read that rolled-down windows also decrease fuel economy, since they increase drag. What's the most efficient way to cool ourselves while driving?"

http://www.slate.com/id/2194536/


Living in Florida for five years now, I have never rolled the windows down on my Lincoln Town Car. Keep the thermostat at 75 degrees at all times.

 

I'm right there with you! :thumbs:

 

I can't find it now, but a news thing on NBC said that you gained 1 mile a gallon not using AC, but you lost about 1 mile a gallon by messing up the air flow with the windows down.

Floirda in summer is no place to drive with the windows down... all you get is hot air... which is what they say about me on Sunday mornings. :tonofbricks:

 

Up to about 30 MPH, you save a bit by not running the air.

After 30-35, you lose mileage, outpacing the A/C savings, because of increased drag.

The best gas-saving tips:
1. Slow down/avoid the quick starts & stops.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated.
3. Make sure your car is tuned up and your air filter is clean.

 

Guess we'll find out who REALLY is into conservation when you see them driving w/no air AND windows closed!:laugh:

 

Conservation is overrated anyway.

 

Heat stroke, however, is not. :D