Or if the temperatures aren't extreme you could just drive with no AC and windows up. I've never suffocated that way...

 

This is dependent on your speed. Are you talking highway, or back roads??

On the highway, the above statement is true. Lower speeds on back roads then the drag from the windows is less and running the AC might use more gas. Also, stop and go is naturally worse to have the AC on. In any event I doubt it makes much of a noticeable difference.

 

I always find it strange when someone spends 40k or therabouts on a car and then worries about the few dollars more or less that various features cost...like hi-test gas: if one travels 20k miles per year the difference between regular and hi-test would be about $200! Surely, if you pay 40k for a car you're not going to be worried about that extra 200 for good performance.

This discussion is similar....

gED

 

I totally agree.

But what I hate about turning the AC on is how sluggish the car becomes. Don't get me wrong, the G is still fast with A/C on but slower when it's off

If we think of this issue on a different perspective, the country will save a lot of money on oil if each one of us can cut back 5-10% of our current usage. We'll become less dependent on crude oil. Ok, no more politics. I am stopping.

 

And I always find it strange when some people don't want to maximize what they get for their money. I'd be willing to bet most rich people didn't get there by spending all their money frivolously.

For me if i can save 1mpg by not using A/C and it's the same level of comfort, why not?

 

AC on fwys
windows down on streets.


best mpg

windows up on fwys and vents on, no AC

 

If it's new (new engine) you can expect to have increased fuel consuption until it is broken it ~3000 miles. Yes the A/C will affect your MPG/Fuel consumption but it's negligble. Has more to do with the way you're driving than having the windows down or A/C on.

 

This is true for highway speeds (above 50 mph) but at city speeds under 50, I believe windows down is a little more efficient. Though it never feels a good as crisp A/C when its 85 deg. outside!!!

 

Some thoughts on AC....
I find that if you turn off the car while the AC was just on, your car will get damp/stuffy from the dampness of the condenser. I find it best to switch it off a few miles from home and let it dry out.

Those of you that find the car steams up with the AC off are probably not ever drying out the inside of the car and the AC system (ie: the car gets addicted to the AC). I live in a very wet climate and use it in the summer and a bit in winter when I really need it. I try to dry it out during my drive so that I'm not shutting off the system with it left on. Failing to do this can also cause mold in the AC system.....

i don't worry about the gas cost, just the mold and damp interior after leaving the AC on when shutting down.

here's a link to the above (but worded better than I):
http://www.ehow.com/how_5047041_prev...ng-system.html