Gas-Saving Moment of the Day: A/C vs. Open Windows

As summer approaches, how do you best keep cool in your car? Is it better to crank the air conditioner or lower the windows to save energy? This question isn’t as simple as some people make it out to be.

Yes, using the air conditioner lowers your vehicle's fuel economy because it uses power from the engine (unlike the heater, which simply borrows engine heat). However, at high speeds, lowering the windows creates drag that requires the engine to work harder, also lowering your mpg.

The key is aerodynamics. If you have a sleek, wind-slashing vehicle like a Chevy Corvette, it will get better highway mileage with the windows up and the A/C cranked. On the other hand, if you're doing 65 mph in a Chevy Tahoe, aerodynamics aren't going to make a bit of difference anyway.

Essentially, though, the lower the speed, the more sense it makes to forgo A/C. Once you hit the highway, though, the less drag the better.

Related:
Tips for Saving Fuel (Cars.com)
Gas Saving Moment of the Day (KickingTires)

Comments

[Gary R]

The fellas on Mythbusters did a segment on this very issue. Unfortunately, they used Ford Expeditions which have all the aerodynamics of a storage shed. It doesn't matter if the windows are down or not, they push a lot of air instead of slide through it. They should have also done this test with an aerodynamic passenger car to see what the results would be.

[J]

How about just wear lighter clothes?

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