Does using the air conditioner in a car use a lot of extra gas?

Question

Does using the air conditioner in a car use a lot of extra gas?

Answer 1

At highway speeds my mpg drops from 28 to 26 with the AC on.

Answer 2

Yes it uses a lot more.  If you have it on and keep the temperature less cold that is less wasteful on fuel.  If you dont need it and can drive with a t shirt and the vents directing ambient temperature air at you that is cheaper than AC.  Crazy to have lots of clothes on (eg a suit) and the ac on full.

Answer 3

Take a look at this site and have a nice day..............

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/29/...

Answer 4

For best MPG:

HWY speed - AC on and window up.

STREET speed - AC off and window down.

The BEST - AC OFF and window UP.

I was out today and was just going for a short drive. The above was kind of moot because it was so hot I could not drive with the AC off (which I normally prefer - regardless of cost).

Good Luck...

P.S.  even so, it isn't all that much extra.

Answer 5

Unless your car is 30 years old, no. The A/C in modern cars doesn't use that much more gas. What does use up more gas is driving with the windows open, which messes up the car's aerodynamics.