Hi, i was wondering which gets the best gas mileage? The weather is really nice right now in vancouver so i don't mind the window down at all. So which is better....

Windows down, AC and all climate OFF

OR

Windows Up w/ AC ON

 

according to the TV show mythbusters
driving with the AC on will get u better gas mileage

 

do your own tests
and get back to us with the results

 

alright....

but i don't want to waste the sunshine!!!! lol

 

i personally prefer driving with the windows down
even if it suffers in gas mileage

 

Haha, yes I love driving with windows down but then I'm all ah man a/c time then eh windows back down. But I prefer down.

 

Below 50 mph in city driving: Windows down, no AC.
Above 50 mph on freeway: Windows up, use AC.

 

Remember A/C is most efficient when the temp is all the way on cold and the fan is at the lowest setting. The fan is what controls how often the compressor runs.

 

Seems to me if you like driving w/ the windows down then driving with them down is what you should do, irrespective of the mileage.

 

what the hell are you saying? one word, punctuation!

 

That is why I wish the rear quarter windows pivoted open to vent. On days when it's 50-50 whether to a/c or not, you can crack the vent windows, and have oodles of air sucked through the vents, without using the fan. I hope the vent visors are as effective. If anyone has the Mugen ones, let me know how they work.

 

^ This is my method of choice as well

 

werd.

If it's a lovely day why keep yourself couped up?

 

Possible reason: The freeways in L.A. are full of high emission vehicles, if you want to keep your lungs healthy or if you prefer breathing clean air, breathing the air filtered by the A/C is a good idea!

 

haha wow didn't notice that. Let me get to the point :: clears throat:: Down

 

Above 50 mph, its way too loud with the windows down. It also increases drag too which slightly reduces fuel economy.

 

AC on will always get worse Gas Milage since there is more engine load..

 

oh i see, thanks for the response



plus, i live in vancouver and the air here is GREAT!! no smog (yet)....lol

 

Ehh not necessarily. Like if you drive 80 mph on the freeway there is a high drag amount with the windows lowered. AC may be more efficient in this case. Perhaps it's a wash.

 

If I were to do that, I'd sweat in city traffic. I use the AC when my body needs it.