Air conditioning and fule consumption

rxbren

just to add air con on is more efficient than having the windows down

iolanthe07

In my experience the difference is neglible - you'll save much more fuel by driving sedately, though that is boring and a pain for those behind you. Many people leave the air-con on all the time to avoid problems caused when the system dries out through lack of lubrication.

In any case run the air con at least once every couple of weeks for about fifteen minutes minimum.

Lum

rxbren wrote: »

just to add air con on is more efficient than having the windows down

Only at higher speeds. It'll vary per car but around 50mph is roughly the point that aircon is better than windows down.

olias

colino wrote: »

With a nice torquey engine like that the fuel consumption difference will be negligible and you have the benefits of a better driving environment to boot. Driving styles between the two of you will have a much more measureable effect than the drag the a/c compressor will have on the engine.
I worry about the poor souls who have recently bought euroboxes stuffed to the gunnels with equipment once, not so long ago, thought of as luxury car territory. Once their power steering, a/c, slushpumps and abs go faulty they will be heading to the scrappy.

I hear you! lol. Wife has a particularly heavy right foot - thinks she's still driving her nippy little fiesta....

Thanks for everyones comments, think the best thing is just to leave it running most of the time.

Olias