hatetown Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Since recently I've been stickin to the notion that AC actually uses more gas in your car. But since I live in Texas, south Texas to be exact, driving without AC means arriving to your destination drenched in sweat. So is it true or not that AC uses more gas? Or does it actually not affect the gas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRUNKEN-ASSHOLE-ONER Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately I've recently heard that it's a myth. I saw it on yahoo news or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reuben Kinkaid Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately I think it's more to do with the engine than the gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VAJ Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately It depends on how old your car is. But seriously, fuck not using AC in Texas. Last year I bought this janky ass talon with no AC when I was in a bind and that shit sucked so bad. But another myth I like to throw out as truth is that you waste more gas starting your car than you do by letting it idle for 30 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRUNKEN-ASSHOLE-ONER Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately But another myth I like to throw out as truth is that you waste more gas starting your car than you do by letting it idle for 30 minutes. False. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GamblersGrin Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately http://geology.utah.gov/sep/energy_efficiency/gasoline/mileage_tips.htm Should you avoid using air conditioning at low speeds? In general, if you can be comfortable with the windows down and the air conditioner off you can save gasoline, but only if your speed is below about 40 miles per hour. Over 40 mph, open windows disturb too much of your air flow and the air conditioner is preferable. Best of all is to keep both the A/C off AND the windows closed. http://news.carjunky.com/air-conditioning-versus-open-windows-abc477.shtml Due to the high price of gasoline in recent history, the media is over run with tips and hints to minimize the cost at the pumps. Some are legitimate and will actually prove to be beneficial; others are a load of, well let’s say, used motor oil. One of most common tips to come under fire is the debate on whether or not it is fuel efficient to drive using the air conditioning or if leaving the windows open is more useful. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of both options. On the side of air conditioning causing the car to use an unnecessary amount of fuel, this fact is true. Sort of. The truth is using the car’s air conditioning does burn more gas, especially when driving in town. In this driving situation fuel consumption goes up by roughly 10%. A good rule of thumb to follow is when the car is moving at a rate of 40 mph or slower, driving with the windows down is definitely the better option for fuel efficiency. That means that for trips to the grocery store, post offices, and visiting ma and pa, drive with the windows down. On the other side of the debate, we have the air conditioning saves on gas due to eliminating air drag on the car from the open windows. Once again, this theory is correct as well, in certain conditions. When driving on the highway or at speeds greater than 45 mph, open windows increase air drag on the car to a point where fuel efficiency is lost by up to 10%. In cases where the vehicle is running at speeds closer to 55 mph, gas inefficiency reaches the 20% mark. Very simply put, both sides of the debate are correct depending on the kind of driving in question. When town driving, leave the windows open, when highway or higher speeds driving, the AC is definitely the way to go. Now that you know the whole truth of the matter, there are some other alternatives to improving airflow, and gas mileage, through some useful tips. Use the car’s fan on the highest setting to quickly cool the car down. The setting can always be adjusted for comfort later and using the fan has no direct effect on fuel consumption. Another helpful tip is park in a garage or shade when possible. Failing that, use windshield shades as a preventative measure to keep the car cooler. Also open the car windows and vents to fully open. This step will blow the hot air out of the car faster before cranking the air conditioning up full blast. Obviously this is a good step to helping the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Finally, take advantage of the cooling system’s recycle inside air feature. That way the air already cooled in the car is reused as opposed to drawing hot air from the outside. Overall, the speed that the car is traveling is the major component to the AC versus open windows debate. Knowing when the air conditioner is beneficial to gas mileage is extremely useful in making the most of your car’s fuel efficiency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Quickwood Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately yeah it uses more gas, you can tell because you'll have to give it more pedal when going up a hill. it's all about the vent and/or all windows open Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Chaos Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately to use anything in your car uses the battery. what charges your battery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest R@ndomH3ro Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately The Alternator, duh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dowmagik Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately the alternator charges the barttery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amongst Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately i heard the thing about how driving with your AC at high speeds is more effecient than driving w/out it (windows down). it creates too much drag when the windows are opened. i thought it was bullshit tho. i always seem to use less gas when the AC off whether im going fast or slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAR Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately I've recently heard that it's a myth. I saw it on yahoo news or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amongst Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately haha shit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALIgula Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately i heard the thing about how driving with your AC at high speeds is more effecient than driving w/out it (windows down). it creates too much drag when the windows are opened. i thought it was bullshit tho. i always seem to use less gas when the AC off whether im going fast or slow. this is exactly what ive heard... ac uses gas....but if your doing like 80 on the freeway with both windows down....the drag causes you to use more gas. therefore..... slow speeds = open your windows fast speeds = use your ac works out perfectly if you have a stereo system too...windows down on side streets, but up on the highway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amongst Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately works out perfectly if you have a stereo system too...windows down on side streets, but up on the highway. yeah. this is true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avancier2 Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately The AC compressor uses a belt on its pulley that then goes around a place for it on the engine crank pulley. The compressor pulley is driven by the engine crank pulley. The compressor does take some power away from the crank to run. This is also how a supercharger works, effectively, the AC compressor does rob some power, but not that much power from the crank. The AC compressor has a clutch inside of it, which allows the pulley to freewheel when the AC is not on, and it is not engaged. In 4 cyl. and some 6 cyl. vehicles, the AC compressor has its ground taken away by the vehicle's ECU which shuts the compressor off under wide open throttle, so you have all the engine power available. On V8 cars it isnt necessary to do that since there is more torque available at all times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amongst Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately im no mechanic so does that mean mythbusted or not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatetown Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately oh yea the titles suppose to be car...as you can see on the keyboard the R and T are right next to each other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatetown Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately well i mean, i do notice that in my car if the AC is on, my gas seems to go a lot quicker..but i think the slow speed - windows down, fast speeds - AC on theory probably is the most accurate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALIgula Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately oh yea the titles suppose to be car...as you can see on the keyboard the R and T are right next to each other :lol::lol: i dont think thats why it says cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatetown Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately i know, i was thinking about some pussy at the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some1 Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately I drive with snow chains on my explorer year round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALIgula Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately i know, i was thinking about some pussy at the time thats not it either...the title got changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groyn shmoyn Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately a friend told me once that using yer a/c causes less gas to burn than rolling down yer windows... he said that the wind resistance from having yer windows down causes more gas to burn. my friend also robbed hookers. and killed one of his girlfriends by giving her heroin in the bathtub. bloop bloop bloop. true stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatetown Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately oh those crazy mods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubbs Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Cat Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately according to myth busters, having your window down and having the ac on is the exact same thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T4M* Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Re: Car Myth: The one thats been on my mind lately the alternator charges the barttery. Unfortunately, no it does not charge up your battery. All it does is keeps your levels up (DC). My major is Automotive Technology. Depending what battery you have, the battery cells have to have their cells charged up to keep their "capacity". To do that, you have to actually penetrate the cells with a charger or with another car. However, you can by-pass the alternator with another wire to charge the battery Yes. And about the gas thing, Yes It does waste more gas. Depending on the car as well, the ac consists of a AC Clutch. The belt runs it when ever you turn on the AC and while you have it off, it just runs freely. So, when you have it on, the Belt has to rotate another component, therefore needing more power (gas). Praice ME! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire15 Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 PWNED. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishCarBombs Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 myth plausible, cats can drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dowmagik Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 from wikipedia: Automotive alternators Alternators are used in automobiles to charge the battery and to power a car's electric system when its engine is running. Alternators have the great advantage over direct-current generators of not using a commutator, which makes them simpler, lighter, less costly, and more rugged than a DC generator. The stronger construction of automotive alternators allows them to use a smaller pulley so as to turn twice as fast as the engine, improving output when the engine is idling. The availability of low-cost solid-state diodes from about 1960 allowed auto manufacturers to substitute alternators for DC generators. Automotive alternators use a set of rectifiers (diode bridge) to convert AC to DC. To provide direct current with low ripple, automotive alternators have a three-phase winding. ---- at my shop we test car batteries, and part of the test is making sure the vehicle's alternator is working well. because if not - the battery wont get charged while the car is running. hope you took summer school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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