1.

Single Ma
August 11th, 2006 at 8:24 am

I love this post!! The video makes it even more interesting. Thanks for taking the effort to do all of that.

However, I am still an A/C kinda girl, no matter how much it costs me. LOL

2.

Nick
August 11th, 2006 at 9:01 am

I’m sure I’ll still use the A/C in my car when it gets really hot, no matter how this experiment turns out.

But we’ll soon see if A/C really is more fuel efficient at higher speeds.

3.

RS
August 11th, 2006 at 1:37 pm

I heard once that they covered this experiment on MythBusters. I thought that it came out that AC didn’t really have a negative effect. Anyone else hear this?
-RS

4.

denon
August 12th, 2006 at 12:24 am

Yeah, Mythbusters did it, several others people have also done it much more scientifically. End result is usually dependant on speeds/conditions, etc, but usually it’s close to a wash from the ones I’ve seen.

5.

Nick
August 12th, 2006 at 12:02 pm

Obviously I’m doing it far more scientifically than anyone before since I have a MINI Cooper and a video camera. I’ve already completed all the filming, and I was quite surprised by the end result.

6.

jim
August 13th, 2006 at 8:20 pm

Hey Nick, I’ve read studies where the breakeven point is at 65 mph, at that point the drag of the windows equals the extra fuel use for the AC. So far your studies have agreed… try it at 70 mph on 95 and then I’ll treat you to a beer if you make it to Columbia without getting a ticket.

7.

Obbop
October 12th, 2007 at 11:41 pm

If thou art akin to me and revel in having the window down, especially at freeway speeds, allow this humble writer to suggest ye obtain a noise-reducing ear plug to wear in the ear closest to the open window.

The noise can cause hearing loss over lengthy time periods.

I use one of those foam-type plugs.

8.

Jeff
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 am

I am a big believer in the windows down for in town driver and putting the windows up for highway driving. I can get close to an extra 100 miles a tank when I do.

9.

Fuel Efficient Cars
August 14th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

I love to have the windows down on a nice and cold night, but if it is humid and hot, no way in hell am I picking that over AC =p. Saving 5miles of gas from keepin the windows down though that is pretty good. I guess if it is a decent day it could happen. Hey Single Ma, I’m a AC girl too woot. Nice video too, your pretty cute =p.