MPG- AC vs. Rollin' down the windows

[sparkyputerguy]

I was wondering the other night as I was running a few errands enjoying the nice 60ish degree weather we've been having:

Does anyone have some good hard scientific results as to when it makes more sense (from a MPG perspective)to roll up the windows on a nice day and turn on the AC?

You get drag from the open windows, but the AC compressor sucks a lot of power also... I would guess somewhere around 55 MPH but that's just pure speculation on my part.

 

[theoutlawtorn14]

Either way the difference is so small you would barely notice it.. at howstuffworks.com they did a thing on how much gas it would consume if you drove with your lights on all the time(day and night) and it came out to be a very small amount..it was pretty interesting..you should check it out..

 

[Doug]

A\C is for pansies. Id much rather drive around with the windows down even on the hottest days.

 

[FORDisKING]

I do believe that the open windows sucks more gas. My .02.

Jason

 

[Robert]

Six months out of the year, I have my windows down, the other six months my A/C is on. I can't really tell a difference in my MPG throughout the year. It might be a very small difference, but not enough to be uncomfortable to save a few pennies in gas.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Namitey
A\C is for pansies. Id much rather drive around with the windows down even on the hottest days.

Obviously you don't live in Florida.

 

[wpurple]

I have always heard that you do better with the A/C on, but I don't feel the drag opening the windows as when the compressor kicks in...
I have a high tolerance for heat and humidity so I too drive with the windows open, heck here in New England we are cooped up all winter long, have to appreciate the heat.....so bring it on!

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I don't remember where but I read an article about an extensive report that "Detroit" did on a/c versus windows. They didn't disclose how much they spent on the research (the author remarked it was ridiculous), but the conclusion was the a/c on and windows closed will save on gas. I like it both ways (I have a girlfriend ) but must admit, after living in South Carolina for 3 years, I do like the a/c. Going to bed...

 

[mmsdrummer]

boy I wish I had some a/c in my x