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by Froggy on July 9th, 2008
You have a good point. I think it would be more of a body style thing determining how much resistance you create with the windows open. I don't believe it would rob as much power as the AC would.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on July 9th, 2008
The A/C compressor draws power from the engine via belt. Engaging the A/C induces an additional parasitic loss on the engine leaving you with a choice; generate more power to compensate (using more gas) or slowing down. I generally take a 10% hit to my MPG when I use the A/C in my '94 Subi.
Open windows also generate drag, but whether or not the resulting inefficiency is more or less than that from using the A/C depends on the car and the speed. Then again, at high speed I get a nice breeze through my vents as air is forced into them harder so I don't NEED to crack a window at interstate speeds. In fact, doing so may cause handling issues due to turbulence.
by needtoknow on July 1st, 2008
I heard on one of the news shows, that air conditioning on in the car uses less gas than having the windows open.
Did the price of a gallon of gas ever drop below $1 in Wisconsin in 1999?
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| 1 person likes this
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Where were you going the last time your car ran out of gasoline?
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If you knew it would cause gasoline prices to double, would you support stopping all drilling offshore?
by kybear on June 15th, 2010
| 2 people like this
You're reading Does refraining from using your air conditioner really give you better gas mileage at high speeds? At high speeds, if you have your windows open, you create alot of wind resistance because your car isn't as streamlined. What do you think?
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