Do you burn more gas on the highway if you have your air on, or with your windows down?

Question

Do you burn more gas on the highway if you have your air on, or with your windows down?

Answer 1

With the windows down

Answer 2

It's about the same either way. Using the AC uses up some gas, but having the windows down & the AC off also produces more drag. So either way it's about the same. You might as well use the AC and be comfortable.

Answer 3

windows down is worse on fuel economy

Answer 4

You will burn more gas with your windows down.The reason for this is because of the resistance caused by the wind hitting the inside of the car.

Answer 5

With the windows down.

Answer 6

I have my windows up and the air off,best of both worlds...    I turn just the vent on or have my windows down about an inch,just enough to move the air around some..

Answer 7

Today's A/C are very efficient, and vehicles are more aerodynamic than the early 90's/ late 80's.  The a/c on at 70mph only effects mpg by .5-1mpg.  That's is not enough for me to worry about.  Widows down at 70 will cut mpg by 3-4mpg.    

Answer 8

With your windows down. It drags the car.

Answer 9

With your windows down, you burn more fuel.

Why: because it breaks the aerodynamics of your vehicle.

where as your airconditioning is just one more pulley for your engine to run.