6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

... Is it more efficient (gas consumption) to run your car with the a/c on full blast while driving at 55 mph, or is it more efficient to drive at 55 mph with the windows down and the a/c off?

This is such a corny test as I'm sure we can all guess.. It's on right now, so I'll be shocked if the results come back different from what I'm thinking. (a/c on is less efficient as it uses a lot of fuel as we all know)

RickyMartinZ28

iTrader: (5)

I've done this....

In town its better to keep the windows down and A/C off, and on the highway its better to run the A/C with the windows up... no doubt.

-Rick

Gun5

iTrader: (37)

what rick said...





what did mythbusters get.. i love how they busted the tailgate myth on trucks......... twice because so many people didnt believe it.. 2 stock f150s accel on cruise control.. one with the tailgate down got like 20 or 30 less miles and ran out of gas both times.

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

that's true. but that's a slightly different test.

in traffic or driving slow, so there's little drag, windows down is the way to go. but what about driving @ 55? You'll definitely generate some drag so that's why this is an interesting test

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

wow! i'm surprised at that too. sweet.. the episode is still on. i'll get back with ya

Gun5

iTrader: (37)

ya something with the tailgate up and the back of the cab make a dead spot of air (less drag) when the tails down the air goes down and presses down on the truck then goes out.. more drag

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

oooohhh yeah.. i remember that episode now. maybe i was high when i watched it j/j

RickyMartinZ28

iTrader: (5)

Depends on the length of the bed also... Completely different air current.

-Rick

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

In a "real world" application, having the windows down is about 15% more gas efficient, even at speed, given the test variables

redsox_ws6

iTrader: (2)

so what happened?

J_Z28_T

iTrader: (2)

i just wish gas was free and food as well i hate paying for both lol!!!

chevy0128

ive seen this mythbusters before suprisingly i am pretty sure the one with the ac ran out of gas first. They way they did it was toped of two exact same cars and just ran them around a track i cant remeber at what speed but the ac one ran out first

RojerLockless

no. the one with the AC on ran farther, the one with the windows down had way too much drag they tried it at 55mph i believe.

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

like i said above, they determined that having the a/c on is 15% less efficient, therefore, 15% more gas consuming than having the windows down..

s/c stang

iTrader: (1)

hmm good info thanks....

Pwebbz28

iTrader: (31)

Ill work a little harder and use more gas with ac on

kokingSS

iTrader: (2)

lol,

6THZ28

iTrader: (11)

That sig is HILARIOUS!!!!

Dude I really can't stop laughing @ that.... can i jack it? lol

even funnier - looking at the original post, they're obviously NOT adjustable..