Gas-Saving Moment of the Day: Forget Tilt-Up Mode on the Moonroof

We've written before about the drag created by opening the moonroof, but at least that’s preferable to using the tilt-up mode.

Be assured the gas-savings you'll get from never using the tilt-up mode are Minimal, with a capital "M." However, it makes us question what really is the purpose of moonroofs’ tilt-up mode. It doesn't add a cool, refreshing breeze inside the car, it's obnoxiously noisy, and our staff felt overwhelmingly indifferent to its existence.

This begs the question: Why does tilt-up mode even exist? Simply to create unnecessary drag that burns more fuel? For smokers?

Let us know if you do use the tilt-up option regularly and, if so, why?

Related:
More Gas-Saving Moments of the Day (KickingTires)

Comments

I use the tilt-up when I'm parked to help keep the car cool. Carck each window and tilt up the moon-roof and you'll get some airflow in the car.

While driving with other windows down I do think it provides a slight improvement in airflow, sometimes just reducing wind buffeting a little, while minimizing glare since you still have tinted glass above. With windows up it seems to just make noise.

I especially like the tilt feature while parked as it provides some ventilation with better security and much less risk of a very wet interior if it happens to rain than if the glass was opened the other way. I left my last car out all night once with the moonroof tilted up and it ended up raining. Car was still completely dry inside when I returned to it in the morning. (Your results may vary, of course)

Hot air rises.
When parked under the summer sunlight, that is better than only opening a crack at those side windows.
But it improves when doing both.

I use the tilt mode in my scion tc. It's great on the highway or at speeds about 50 and up with the "recirculate" OFF. It lets air blow through the vents into the cabin and out the top, no fan, no ac. I'd bet that's worth some fuel savings. One note: don't open the glass top at those speeds, you're asking for damage as it violently shakes along at relatively break-neck speeds.

Brian, what u r doing is exactly what this post is 'bou - the reduction in fuel efficiency. When u use air - no sacrifice on fuel efficiency at all with all windows closed. When u use A/C in hot days, the fuel efficiency is actually better than opening any windows when the speed has reached 45 or 50 mph. Many scientific research has proven this theory, including my beloved "Myth Buster."

I use my sunroof tilt when parked under hot sun with NO shade. That's the best way to get hot air out. That's the only time I use this feature, however.

cigarette smoke goes out while driving

I use the tilt moonroof cause it makes the car look cooler, and u get a lil bit of air,, I have it tilted most of the time

Hot air rises. It's the most efficient way to release trapped hot air without over-burdening the A/C.

Next time you're going at high speeds, roll down the back windows about 1/4 of the way. When you tilt the sunroof, you should feel the difference. It creates plenty of airflow without as much buffeting as having the front windows down.

I use it when getting in a hot car.
Tilt the moon roof.
Start up the a/c using outside air.
Once the hot air is cleared, turn on recirculate and close the moon roof.

I am curious about the "obnoxiously noisy" issue. My car is quieter in the tilt mode over full open.

Definately a smokers accessory!

Downforce! (For all you spoiler heads)

Actually I've never liked moon/sun roofs. For some reason having the sun bearing down on me though a sunroof makes me car sick. But convertables don't affect me the same way.

Odd.