subject: Tire Pressure Will Save Gas Mileage and MPG, but What About the Air Condition? [print this page] Tire Pressure Will Save Gas Mileage and MPG, but What About the Air Condition?
Listen, most of us want to save money when it comes to fuel. The fact that gas prices have tripled or quadrupled over the last 10 years has made for a mad scramble to find ways to get everything they can out of every last drop of gas. The people who are really hurting are those that have an SUV. Some of those can cost you $60-$80 to fill up. That is just mind boggling!
So we need to take matter into our own hands and start doing the things that will allow us to stretch that tank of gas as far as we can. Gas prices are making people do things they would not have even considered 10 years ago. One way to start is with that little button usually situated right in the middle of your dashboard: the air conditioning. I can hear you now, "nope, it gets to hot. I'm not shutting down the air." And that is your choice, but if you are looking for a quick fix, this can really save you considerably. Here is what your air conditioning is doing to your performance:
#1 Power
The air conditioning system requires a lot of power to run. In other words, more power equals more gas being used. You will notice your acceleration is pour. So now, not only are you trying power the car you are trying to power the air. More gas being used means bad fuel efficiency for you.
#2 Turning it off
You aren't going to like it, but turn it off and roll the windows down. Yes, you now may have a little bit of drag, but the drag is nothing as far fuel efficiency compared running the air. So when you can, roll down the windows, get some fresh air, and save a few miles per gallon.
#3 "I'll only run it on low."
Well, it's a good thought, but even at 50% you still might reduce your fuel efficiency by 5% or 10%.
There is really no way around it. Don't use the air if you don't have to, especially if you are going on a short trip. If you are going on a trip that is going to take less than 20 minutes, you may as well just throw a dollar out the window rather than turn the air on.
Hey, if you live in Phoenix I know this is not going to fly, but in most of the country you can probably find some times throughout the day when you can roll down the windows.
