A/C or windows down?

polyphonics · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 01:49 PM

Hey,

So I've had my fit for about a month now and I'm wondering which is more economical...driving with the air conditioning on or driving with the windows down? Normally I'll drive with the windows down, a/c off in the city and opposite on the highway or at speeds over 50 mph (a/c on, windows up).
Cheers.

Cat · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 02:21 PM

You'll have more power and use less fuel with A/C off - but it is up to each which is better. I have enjoyed a/c off with windows down when it is not too hot just to be able to crank up the CD player - it rocks! I find myself using the A/C most times because we've already gotten up to 90 + here and the worst is yet to come. I am still getting great gas milage out of my car and I went today to fill up and it was a little less than half full and it cost me $18.00! The gas will last me almost 2 weeks because I don't have a far commute from home to work.

Cat :x

polyphonics · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 02:33 PM

Nice! I do enjoy driving with the windows down, but I'm willing to sacrifice a few dollars for cool a/c. I've been getting around 33 mpg with it on and off...so I guess that's not bad.

Dont kill me...but...I filled up the other day for ~$24.50-right after the fuel light came on. Found gas for $2.69..yeah!

phil_qc · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 02:58 PM

in town: windows down

on the highway: A/C is less expensive because of the air friction
that open windows will produce at high speed... from Mythbuster...

Philippe

polyphonics · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil_qc

in town: windows down

on the highway: A/C is less expensive because of the air friction
that open windows will produce at high speed... from Mythbuster...

Philippe

I remember seeing that, but didn't they use some large vehicle? Such as a pick up truck or something?

AppleMac*Fit · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polyphonics

I remember seeing that, but didn't they use some large vehicle? Such as a pick up truck or something?

Yeah - it was an older Dodge Ram (the size of a current Ford Ranger).

Fit of RAGE · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 09:12 PM

Mythbusters did a study on it. I think it's episode 22

HaulSmall · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 09:42 AM

I usually have the windows down below 40 and the AC on above 40. Above 40 the air currents in the car begin to move light things around. I've been able to achieve 38 MPG with our family of four on long trips with the AC on.

leandro82 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 05:15 PM

It's been reported many times. Around town, it's better to have windows open. When you're doing highway speeds of 65+ mph, it's more efficient to turn on the A/C than to open the windows. If you can stand vent only, that would save gas, though.

Around here it's only hot weather for a short time, so A/C barely gets used.