How much Gasoline Does AC really use?

[ThomasG 5,000+ posts]

Two year ago I moved to Las Vegas (for like 10 months ended up broke moved back to memphis) but anyway first day I got in town my ac broke. It was around July 1st right after my b-day so yes it was hot. We had likt 15 days of 114+ degree heat. I though I was gonna die, but at least no humidity there like back home.

vegas summer heat is absolute murder

 

[neonrt 10+ year member]

Using a higher octane fuel during the hot summer months also helps with MPG to a small degree, enough to offset the AC cost.

i have to use the highest octane available all year round.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

According to mythbusters you actually get the same. On the highway that is. I dunno about city, but it may be on there too.

Incorrect.

When the ACTUALLY tested it, Adam's vehicle (non AC) ran for like 60miles longer than Jamie's Vehicle (AC)

nG

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

Recently took a 240 mile round trip up to near Yosemite using the AC all the way (it was near 90 even above 5,000 feet that day) in our 4cyl 2001 Eclipse Spyder and got over 28 mpg.

I wont complain about that.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Did you watch today's show.

They said you can get some better gas milage by drafting a semi.

It seems like 75 ft would be optimum draft considering safety.

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

Did you watch today's show.
They said you can get some better gas milage by drafting a semi.

It seems like 75 ft would be optimum draft considering safety.

Indeed.

nG

 

[pinkfloydms 10+ year member]

Incorrect.
When the ACTUALLY tested it, Adam's vehicle (non AC) ran for like 60miles longer than Jamie's Vehicle (AC)

nG

Are you sure your not mixing that up with the tail gate up/down myth?

 

[zyklonb 10+ year member]

it does not burn anymore fuel and fyi having your windows rolled down actually gets you less mpg than having the ac does

 

[95BlackGA 5,000+ posts]

Put it this way, turn your car on, without the A/C on, let it get to idle speed, about 1 minute after you get the car to idle speed, turn the A/C on, listen to the motor, it does a slight sound, kicking on the A/C compressor (I think this is what I am meaning to say), and then the car goes back to idle RPMs (It only puts about 50RPMs more/less to turn this on.) Once that is on, the A/C compressor's belt is still driven by the same belts as all the other components in the car. So, it doesn't use any more gas than any other time, with it being on or off. Just turning it on and off rapidly would you see the SLIGHTEST decrease in MPG.

 

[Imtjnotu 5,000+ posts]

Are you sure your not mixing that up with the tail gate up/down myth?

imthinking he is talkin about the wrong one

 

[lookitsjim23 10+ year member]

i am almost positive that the car with the AC OFF ran about 50 something miles LONGER than the car with the window up/AC on...i just saw the episode not too long ago

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

it does not burn anymore fuel and fyi having your windows rolled down actually gets you less mpg than having the ac does

You are an idiot. And are INCORRECT.

Put it this way, turn your car on, without the A/C on, let it get to idle speed, about 1 minute after you get the car to idle speed, turn the A/C on, listen to the motor, it does a slight sound, kicking on the A/C compressor (I think this is what I am meaning to say), and then the car goes back to idle RPMs (It only puts about 50RPMs more/less to turn this on.) Once that is on, the A/C compressor's belt is still driven by the same belts as all the other components in the car. So, it doesn't use any more gas than any other time, with it being on or off. Just turning it on and off rapidly would you see the SLIGHTEST decrease in MPG.

Nope. Incorrect.

i am almost positive that the car with the AC OFF ran about 50 something miles LONGER than the car with the window up/AC on...i just saw the episode not too long ago

INdeed.

nG

 

[Paddywad 10+ year member]

I have noticed in my specific vehicle, that with the a/c on full blast there is significant power loss even with a V6; but if I turn it down to normal a/c and on the #1 or #2 setting, my power band runs normal with no strain. Gas mileage drops alittle, but not bad. I really don't use my a/c often, only if the lady is in the passenger seat. Plus, I like the 24/25 mpg that I currently am getting.

 

[swimfreak26 10+ year member]

When the ACTUALLY tested it, Adam's vehicle (non AC) ran for like 60miles longer than Jamie's Vehicle (AC)
nG

Finally someone who watched the entire show. I can't tell you how many times on here I've heard, "When mythbusters did it, there was no difference."

As for the difference that I notice...according to my little MPG display on my dash, I definately lose some mileage city driving, but when I drive for any extended amount of time on the highway (1+ hrs), I don't see much difference.

 

[Imshirazy 10+ year member]

To be quaint

AC on means 10% less fuel dedicated to just your car's movement give or take a few percents

The reason it doesn't affect you as much on highway is because you don't need the extra gas to accelerate like you do in the city. On the highway, you simply barely press the gas and remain a good 65 mph, but if you press the gas that hard it will take you quite some time to get from 0 - 45 with all the stops etc.

Wind resistance on the highway depends on a few things as well, such as the aerodynamics of your car, wind speed and direction, plus opening up a rear window can decrease wind resistance problems, but there's still resistance no matter what