Does air conditioning or driving with the windows down burn more gas?

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Does air conditioning or driving with the windows down burn more gas?

by Boopie Posted April 01, 2007 04:45:17

25 answers
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+3 raves

Air conditioning burns gasoline. So does driving around with your windows down. Which one is worse for a vehicle's fuel economy?

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+3 raves mood ring April 02, 2007 21:51:08

Answered: Air conditioning
I saw this myth tested on Mythbusters and according to the original computer test it was more efficient to ride with the windows up and A/C on. But when put to the test the car with windows up A/C on ran out of gas sooner than the car with the windows down. Myth Busted!!!
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+1 raves
mu_linlin7 May 20, 2009 19:49:17

Answered: Undecided
It depends on where you're driving. If you're going at high speeds like on the freeway or highway, the air conditioning burns less gas. If you're driving at slower speeds, like in city traffic, having the windows down saves gas.
Jwalden --- Constitution Party May 10, 2008 12:36:08

Answered: Air conditioning
the air conditioning unit demands more off of the engine. The window may cause a 'level of drag' on the 'feul efficiency', but the mechanics of the engine and the a/c unit require the engine to work harder, thus using more gas.
noisy March 01, 2008 01:56:10

Answered: Air conditioning
thats what ive been told...
Linda May 15, 2007 18:28:08

Answered: Undecided
not much difference
LPE May 09, 2007 17:20:50

Answered: Undecided
It depends
In stop-and-go traffic it’s better to open the windows but at highway speeds turning on the air conditioning gives better mileage.
Naturally you would rather run the AC in stop and go and could handle the heat better on the highway with the windows open... figures!
+1 raves
Bear May 09, 2007 01:07:01

Answered: Windows down
You can actually save some gase if you keep your AC on a moderate level to keep it cool. The wind resistance in the car will actually make the engine work harder to maintain the speed limit.
+2 raves
byebye ,I love you,gotta go May 09, 2007 01:01:24

Answered: Air conditioning
ac /and heat
Pinky April 06, 2007 09:24:32

Answered: Air conditioning
i'm ditto-ing the comment below...
+3 raves
mood ring April 02, 2007 21:51:08

Answered: Air conditioning
I saw this myth tested on Mythbusters and according to the original computer test it was more efficient to ride with the windows up and A/C on. But when put to the test the car with windows up A/C on ran out of gas sooner than the car with the windows down. Myth Busted!!!
Jenni to mood ring April 04, 2007 20:37:29

I saw the same mythbusters.
+1 raves
mood ring to Jenni April 04, 2007 21:50:27

that show has changed my life!
Jenni to mood ring April 04, 2007 21:58:36

Lol... I know...
I now do not have to wonder about half of the goofy stuff I think of as being able to work. Like having helium balloons carry me around.
+1 raves
Bear to mood ring May 09, 2007 01:12:15

I commented later but didn't see that mythbuster. Now I am going to have to try this for myself.