Improve your gas milage with the push of a button.

2908 Views 14 Replies 10 Participants Last post by MGTD, Jul 2, 2001

bdespain

Discussion Starter · Jun 19, 2001

On my drive back from Spokane I had driven 200 miles and got around 19 MPG. I then noticed that the outside temp was 69 degrees. So I did a little searching and found the A/C button in the center of the console below the trip display. I turned off the A/C. The next 200 miles my milage slowly increased until it got home. I ended up getting 22 MPG for the trip as a whole.

This leads me to believe that the A/C compressor runs more than necessary to just maintain the temperature.

So I estimate that turning off the A/C is worth about 2-5 MPG. Sorry I don't have more imperical evidence. But I do know that the first 200 miles where reletively flat and the last 200 miles was through some pretty steep mountains.

I understand you can't turn off you A/C all the time.

You need it when its hot/humid. But when you don't need it turning it off could save you some gas.

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ufbz

· #2 · Jun 19, 2001

A/C definitely consumes more power from your engine thus more gas.

Sometimes I found it also helps if you turn on A/C but shut off the rear A/C by pushing in rear A/C button on the dash board, then turn the dial to off position in the back A/C control panel. That way you got cool air blowing at your face and /or feet but not to the rear when there is no passenger in the back.

Crem de la SUV

· #3 · Jun 19, 2001

You would need to do the entire trip a few times with and without the A/C, in order to trust your numbers. Even 2 MPG sounds a little high to me; the compressor only takes a couple horsepower from the engine.

Besides, you're driving a $40K car, for God's sake!! Crank the A/C, and enjoy the ride!

bdespain

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 19, 2001

Remember. I am really cheap. The only reason I bought a $40k car is because I feel that it would be cheaper in the long run than buying a $30k dollar piece of junk and replacing it piece by piece over the next 10 years.

Gas is expensive and I am cheap.

TheWorm

· #5 · Jun 19, 2001

bdespain said:
Remember. I am really cheap. The only reason I bought a $40k car is because I feel that it would be cheaper in the long run than buying a $30k dollar piece of junk and replacing it piece by piece over the next 10 years.

Gas is expensive and I am cheap.

I remember from a previous thread that if u remove the windshield and rear tailgate you can further reduce wind resistance and improve mileage.

Let us know the results

TorDoc

· #6 · Jun 19, 2001

Driving with the windows open increases drag and will probably negate the difference in fuel economy saved by turning off the A/C. The only difference I see is in POWER and acceleration.

bdespain

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 19, 2001

TheWorm said:
bdespain said:

Remember. I am really cheap. The only reason I bought a $40k car is because I feel that it would be cheaper in the long run than buying a $30k dollar piece of junk and replacing it piece by piece over the next 10 years.

Gas is expensive and I am cheap.

Click to expand...

I remember from a previous thread that if u remove the windshield and rear tailgate you can further reduce wind resistance and improve mileage.

Let us know the results

Actually I have found that only driving down hill works great. But pushing up to the top of the hill sucks.

Beige_MDX

· #8 · Jun 19, 2001

You mean bdespain was driving with the engine on??? No wonder his gas mileage is so bad.

Allison

· #9 · Jun 19, 2001

Gosh the thought of riding without AC is unimanginable - it is about 110 here in AZ!!! I am only getting about 17-18 mpg but the car is nice and cool!

bdespain

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 19, 2001

I have to save as much energy as I can so we can sell it to California at extreme markups.

cotmc

· #11 · Jun 19, 2001

TheWorm said:
I remember from a previous thread that if u remove the windshield and rear tailgate you can further reduce wind resistance and improve mileage.

Although this idea should improve matters, there may still be some unwanted wind resistance, considering the roof, the front grille area, and the A-pillars are still in place. I suggest taking this a step further by following closely behind an 18-wheeler during the entire trip. Carefully adjust your uphill and downhill speeds accordingly. For best results, try to avoid a gap greater than 5 feet between yourself and that 25-ton trailer. You'll soon be getting the fuel economy of a sport sedan!

cotmc

· #12 · Jun 19, 2001

But it's a dry heat.

Allison said:
Gosh the thought of riding without AC is unimanginable - it is about 110 here in AZ!!!

Yeah, it's 110, and I can hardly wait for summer to finally arrive! These 76-degree nights are too cold!

MGTD

· #13 · Jun 30, 2001

I tried a little experiment today although not very scientific. We have a 6 mile, flat straight stretch of freeway near my home. I ran it both ways today with virtually no wind. With the AC on (100F day) the mileage- o-meter (2.5 mpg granularity) hovered between 22.5 and 25 mpg. With the ac off it hovered between 25 and 27.5 mpg. Each run was about 3 miles long for each setting. To turn the ac off I used the dash Off button and back on with Auto. Results were the same both ways. So maybe running both A/C units can account for around 2-3 mpg.

Chris

mr1margarita

· #14 · Jul 1, 2001

MGTD

Thanks for the "experiment", it's scientific enough for me. I'm not suprised that their was a difference but 2-3 MPG was a little higher than I thought it would be. Thanks for sharing.

MGTD

· #15 · Jul 2, 2001

Re: MGTD

mr1margarita said:
Thanks for the "experiment", it's scientific enough for me. I'm not suprised that their was a difference but 2-3 MPG was a little higher than I thought it would be. Thanks for sharing.

It's hard to tell if it was 1 1/2 or 3 gpm because the gauge only shows in 2.5 gpm increments. But I do think it makes a measurable difference.

Chris

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