that rolling you're windows down is less gas efficient than running your a/c??

 

Above a certain mph yes, which is around freeway speeds.

 

Correct. Screw that though, my windows are always open.

 

..it's even worse when the top is down but to hell with fuel economy, verts rock! [8D]

 

yup, best to drage race with the windows up too, that little edge could help.

 

+1

 

Mythbusters did this one, having the windows down IS BETTER. It uses LESS GAS than AC on.

 

They were going 45mph. Freeway speeds is where the difference will be. Also, the power of the engine will come into play. A more powerful engine will have less trouble with the AC compressor, same for windows down. Also, modern AC compressors are more efficient.

 

Hey why dont people buy electric drive units for their AC? I dont get it

The drive units are powerful enough to turn the ac, just have the power-on togled to the switch controll for the AC, I plan on doing that. I will write a tech article about it and post it as soon as Amanda gives me the OK.


-Eric-

 

Do you mean use an electric motor to drive the A/C compressor? It's a popular myth that electric power is "free", some think because the engine is already spinning the alternator (making electricty) then that power is already paid for by the engine. But in fact, the more electricload you apply the harder the alternator has to turn, resulting in a heavier load on the engine. Just the same if the A/C were direct driven via a belt.

That's also part of the reason people are so hyped about getting an "electric supercharger" because they think it's free power. It's not