Windows down or ac?
I normally go with the windows when driving around town and on the highway I usually crank up the A/C (I've heard that this is the most fuel efficient way). I tell you what though, I don't think I've ever had worse SWAMP *** in my life then driving in my T/A with the windows down in summer! Damn those leather seats get hot!
I don't notice any difference on my 4 hour road trips as far as gas goes. But, I HATE how much power it robs from my engine. Any time I can go wondows down, I do. It is easier on my engine. and I love listening to my duals.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 607
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From: Anna, OH
Originally Posted by WhiteKnightZ28
If I remember the episode correctly it was the other way round, but I might be mistaken.
To do the test scientifically, they'd have to cool the interiors to equal temps. But then, who cares about that anyway? The results of that test, while interesting, would be of little real-world value.
Originally Posted by LTSpeed
Your memory is correct. The show concluded that windows down saves more energy than using the A/C.
To do the test scientifically, they'd have to cool the interiors to equal temps. But then, who cares about that anyway? The results of that test, while interesting, would be of little real-world value.
To do the test scientifically, they'd have to cool the interiors to equal temps. But then, who cares about that anyway? The results of that test, while interesting, would be of little real-world value.
Windows Up If I'm driving around town, windows are always down. I like to rest my left elbow on the door sail, I also like to feel the breeze and listen to my exhaust
On the highway, windows are just cracked open, in fact my windows are never completely closed unless it's pouring down rain. Now if I have a girl in the car, the passenger window is usually up because the wind always "messes her hair up"
I've had my car since Aug of '03 and I've used the a/c maybe twice in that time.
On the highway, windows are just cracked open, in fact my windows are never completely closed unless it's pouring down rain. Now if I have a girl in the car, the passenger window is usually up because the wind always "messes her hair up"
I've had my car since Aug of '03 and I've used the a/c maybe twice in that time.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Philly
the A/C is actually more efficient on highway trips. a girl at work told me she watched mythbusters and they drove a car around the track with the windows down, then with the A/C on, all with full tanks of gas til the gas ran out. she said it went around the track another 40 times with the A/C on. the windows killed the mpg that much!
in the city where speeds are low, windows are much more efficient.
that being said, i always have my windows down because i like hearing my car and like wind blowing on me. however, if it's ungodly hot out or i'm on the expressway going 75+, i roll up the windows because the air gets annoying and i can actually feel my car slowing down
in the city where speeds are low, windows are much more efficient.
that being said, i always have my windows down because i like hearing my car and like wind blowing on me. however, if it's ungodly hot out or i'm on the expressway going 75+, i roll up the windows because the air gets annoying and i can actually feel my car slowing down
I use the AC much more in the summer, and windows in the spring/fall. It just gets too hot up here in Nor Cal during the summer for windows. 105 degrees is painful with the windows down, since the wind coming in is also scorching hot.
I also use the A/C whenever I get on the highway. I just don't like how windy it gets over 60mph.
I also use the A/C whenever I get on the highway. I just don't like how windy it gets over 60mph.
Originally Posted by 2001NBMZ28
Haven't noticed much difference, but it's been 95+ down here lately - I'll take the AC.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,241
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From: MD
I don't use the ac much except for when I'm carting my son around but the mythbusters comparison was a joke. The Explorer is already a brick so the windows likely wouldn't make near as much of a difference compared to a sports car. Not to mention t-tops off.
I'd bet the AC on with windows up on a highway trip would be the more efficient way to go "in our cars"
Who cares about effecient though. t-tops off is where it's at. Unless it's 95 and stop and go traffic.
I'd bet the AC on with windows up on a highway trip would be the more efficient way to go "in our cars"
Who cares about effecient though. t-tops off is where it's at. Unless it's 95 and stop and go traffic.
Originally Posted by mikerulzu
I use the AC much more in the summer, and windows in the spring/fall. It just gets too hot up here in Nor Cal during the summer for windows. 105 degrees is painful with the windows down, since the wind coming in is also scorching hot.
I also use the A/C whenever I get on the highway. I just don't like how windy it gets over 60mph.
I also use the A/C whenever I get on the highway. I just don't like how windy it gets over 60mph.
In Alabama You better have A/C! FWIW: I just bought my 01 WS6 M6 this weekend-all interstate 480 mile trip with just a little playing around was 29.10 MPG! A/C was on the entire time. Needless to say I was thrilled. And comfy