Susky said:What if I put the top down and run the A/C on max?
the98stang said:WRONG
They proved on mythbusters that you get better mileage with the windows rolled DOWN versus using the AC.
svttech76 said:I am explaining how using max a/c setting on our cars switches to recirculated air, this allows the a/c system to cool already cooler interior air, this allows it to work less to keep the evap core temps at or near 40 degrees.
Seraphitia102 said:Sounds like you'll get the mileage of a 1,000 pound fat man sitting in your car making your engine tow that load
the98stang said:WRONG
They proved on mythbusters that you get better mileage with the windows rolled DOWN versus using the AC.
Cantslowdown said:Mike me and a tec did that in a truck mpg was better with windows up ac on..WDS dose not lie
svttech76 said:really? I am going to have to see this mythbusters episode myself. when I have tested on cars at work using the WDS instant fuel mileage test I find I get slightly better mileage with the A/C on and windows up. The best possible mileage is A/C off and windows up..
Maybe on certain model cars the A/C compressor dogs the motor enough to cause you to be at a greater engine load with the windows up a/c on than with the windows down a/c off.
Mustang5L5 said:True the A/C works less dropping the temp of cooler air, but no matter what temp the air is, the bottom line is the compressor is still on.
How efficient the A/C is at what settings and what temp air and humidity can be drawn out for pages. Her main question was is there a fuel difference between the fan on 2 vs on 4. In either position, the compressor is still engaged so fuel use is the same.
As far as i know, the only input in the Mustang's A/C system is a low pressure cutout switch. I'm not sure if there is a high-pressure switch. I don't beleive there is any other monitoring of the temp of the evaporator in the Mustang
Seraphitia102 said:Thanks for answering my question in regards to fuel usePerhaps I should just leave my A/C setting on notch 3.
Does the electrical system have anything to do with A/C? Like will having 2 amplifiers hooked up affect my A/C and my car electronic's stability? I remember my old Toyota stalled when I had my stereo on (with 1 amp/no capacitor), A/C, windshield wipers going and headlights on.
Windows down vs. air conditioning
"Urban puzzle": it is more efficient, on a hot day, to run with the A/C on and windows up than to run with windows down (b/c of increasing car's drag).
Computer-based mpg measurements:
11.7/11.8 with A/C on and windows up
11.7/11.8 with A/C off and windows up
11.3 with A/C off and windows down
So, according to the computer, it's better to use A/C with windows up.
This was too quick and easy for TV, so they decided to stage a seven hour marathon, race-til-you're-empty duel, with Jamie driving an SUV with A/C on and Adam driving an SUV with windows down. Though, once the safety inspector intervened, it was no longer a seven-hour marathon, it was a bit slower (45mph instead of 55mph), and a lot shorter (only 5 gallons each).
Jamie's A/C car ran out of gas first -- Adam's windows down SUV ran for another 30 laps -- completely contradicting the computer mpg estimate. Computer estimate based on air flow into the engine, so it would appear that it is unable to properly model the difference between A/C and windows down.
Mustang5L5 said:Well the biggest A/C electrical draw is the fan motor. The higher the setting the more juice it draws. The A/C also uses some power to engage the magnetic clutch.
Maybe you might want to think about a smaller supplimental battery along with the cap for the stereo if you are going to have that big of a system.
That's some car you are putting together there. Nice to see you doing it very tastefully as well.
Dusstbuster said:Yeah it is because the computer measures your MPG at like optimal efficiency or something like that so it can't properly correct your mileage when AC is on vs when it isnt. The mythbusters show proved in an actual driving test with 2 similar vehicles (even though every vehicle will be slightly different no matter what year/make/model/plant it came from, in terms of fuel consumption, total resistance/drag, etc) that AC burns more fuel than windows down.
Now after watching MANY mythbusters episodes I can tell you that some of their methods of testing these myths are sketchy at best, you don't necessarily want to take this for 100% pure truth. I can tell from personal experience that I go through a LOT more gas when i use the AC regularly vs toughing it out and driving windows down though.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?