AC or open windows for MPG

Problem is you want to run the ac at low speeds and open the windows for higher. I'll be damned if I'm sweating at stop lights to get 10 more miles out of a tank.

 

I sit on a block of ice with my windows up. I get the best gas mileage that way.

 

This question came up on "Car Talk" a while back. Click and Clack gave the explanation that vehicles are so aerodynamically engineered now for better MPG's that windows down disrupts airflow, and leads to lower MPG. They suggested the window vent shade things as an experiment if you want to run windows down, but I don't recall any follow-up on that.

 

Sometimes "Click and Clack" are quick and quack. Not every vehicle is aerodynamically engineered. Such claims are relevant not exact. One I have in mind is the Element, but there are several others and you can rest assured that trucks are not aerodynamically engineered like a car can be. So to suggest that windows down air off always uses more gas is simply incorrect. There are many variables that need to be considered and checked out for each driver and vehicle..

 

Windows up over 50 just cause its too noisy with them down.

 

I'm not taking a chance with mine. A/c on and both front windows down. FTW!

 

This!!!!!!^^^^^

Let's talk about comfort.
90% of the time in my area [Mt. Washington valley, NH] there's no real need for A/C. Most summer mornings start in the 50's or 60's, and "average" hot days are low to mid 80's. You can wake needing a hoodie, and be in a wife beater by noon. Rarely, rarely humid, and most times always a breeze.
This week however, it's been in the upper 90's, with ultra high humidity.
Water in my lake is about 75 degrees....
I prefer to have 'em cranked down, and wind in my face, but this weather almost dictates A/C.

Not worried about the mileage issue, as ya gots to do what ya gots to do.

 

No windows down here, I just got my hair did up!

 

I usually end up with rear window open and one or both side windows open for short trips unless I have hauled mulch recently.
Longer trips I do AC.

 

Windows up, AC on!

Keeps the dust out of my lungs.

 

I sort of remember reading in Consumer Reports & Car and Driver, they always got better MPG with the A/C off, regardless if the windows were open or shut.

 

I'd have to have hair........

 

Your guess is as good as mine and that's all we ALL are doing is guessing. I believe MB was correct when they did that episode but it was only correct for that car. Every car is going to be different. Either way I don't think it will save that much.

 

Having your windows down at 60 isn't going to drop your MPGs to 12 (if you are stock and getting 17). And as stated earlier, if you are worried about 20 miles from a tank, should you be driving a truck?

For me, I drove a vehicle without AC for 7 years here in south Texas. I now drive with the windows down out of habit. I am used to it, and only use the AC when others are in the car or I am on the phone.

 

The day the heat wave broke up here I filled up, and reset the trip odo.
I've gone 130 miles, and used a 1/4 tank.
Doing the stupid simple math,
20gal tank /4= 5gal per 1/4.
130/5=26mpg with the windows up sometimes, A/C on, as tacosteven said, on the phone:
but most of it driven both fronts open, lettin' the breeze blow thru my back hair......

 

if your looking for better mpg's. I've always lived by windows down in the city. Windows up, ac on, on the highway.

 

The problem is that doers not work. The gauge does not register exact usage at each mark, not even close. There is a lot of room for error. The only way to check it is to fill it up again and then do the math. By the way for the most accurate reading you have to use the same pump of the original fill, and at about the same time of day because of gas expansion from heat and you have to start with a tank that is topped off.

 

I'm on my fourth tank.
One was pure highway, down to NJ.
Mileage was 25mpg as opposed to my claimed 26. travelled at my normal 65-72mph. Never faster......really.
Second was the trip back, load of furniture in the bed; 22mpg.
Third was running round the roads up here, a mix of rural, town and some 55mph highway. That tank averaged about 20.
I'm workin' the fourth, and came up with the figures I posted.

Listen, I'm coming out of an Outback, that religiously got 26 town roads and 31-33 highway. I realized when I got the
Tacoma I was also getting:
A- 2 extra cylinders
B- a vehicle less aerodynamic
C- a truck!!!!
20MPG on an average is alright by me for the twisty mountain roads and steeper passes.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the Tacoma's fuel efficiency, ride, and great looks.
I guess what I'm sayin is I'm ok with the amount of fuel used, and if not, I'd have bought another gas sippin car.

 

I gain a solid 2-2.5 mpg with windows down I have the 4cyl. I do a lot of city driving and haven't tested it on the highway yet. At an idle when I turn the ac on I loose about 200rpms and I see that as a fuel/power loss.

 

True. They also did a show where they compared driving with tail gate down vs up and up won.