Turning Off the car aircon, does it help in saving on fuel?

[attyallanlatras]

During morning drives, I usually don't turn on the aircon, thinking that this helps me save on fuel. Is this so? I also don't lower my windows since hindi naman mainit during morning. How much fuel do I save doing this?

[shadow]

minimal lang yan na save mo

[attyallanlatras]

minimal lang yan na save mo

Does it mean that fuel consumption sa aircon is even less than 10%?

[aga_cruz]

pwede sir na observe ko halos 1 or 2 km per litre lang ang matitipid

[rion]

pwede sir na observe ko halos 1 or 2 km per litre lang ang matitipid

yep, specialy on traffics and bad aircon system. yung hindi malamig enough to shutsdown compressor from time to time.

[dadz]

Makakatipid ka just dont do it in high speed na naka bukas ang windows kasi dagdag drag yan................................but kung close windows tipid nag konti.

[1D4LV]

meron savings yan, pero hindi naman ganung ka significant, lets say between 5-10%.
pero if you are running more than 60 kph, much better to use your AC, because running on this speed will create drag if your windows are open, which causes you to step harder sa gas pedal to achieve a certain speed, causing you to consume more fuel.

[mbeige]

If you don't want to use A/C switch to outside air and close the windows, or leave them partially open. Those window "visors" that cover the first inch of the top edge of the glass help a lot in this case.

In older cars with more inefficient compressors, yes it does help a lot. I get 1 to 2 mpg extra if I switch my A/C off in my 26 year old vehicle with the R4 compressor.

[badkuk]

in my case kasi, pag naka on ung aircon, mahirap mag accelerate, so i tend to press the gas a little bit more. When i'm in a driving mood i usually turn off the aircon for that little added oomph(whatever little oomph is available).

Then again, for you kids with your newfangled high-tech cars, this may not be an issue any more B)

[niky]

For older cars and cars with smaller engines, the drag of the AC compressor is greater... leading to higher fuel consumption with the AC on (heck, with Nissan Sentras with the Calsonic compressor, it could rob a ton of horsepower). For bigger-engined vehicles, it seems like less of a problem... but setting the AC to the lowest comfortable setting (highest temperature at lowest fan speed that still feels cool from all seats) is always a good idea...

[mbeige]

For older cars and cars with smaller engines, the drag of the AC compressor is greater... leading to higher fuel consumption with the AC on (heck, with Nissan Sentras with the Calsonic compressor, it could rob a ton of horsepower). For bigger-engined vehicles, it seems like less of a problem... but setting the AC to the lowest comfortable setting (highest temperature at lowest fan speed that still feels cool from all seats) is always a good idea...

Highest temperature? Or you mean cooler setting with low fan speed?

You have a point either way, but for optimum fuel economy, the higher the temperature setting, the less work the compressor has to do. The colder the desired setting, the more work the compressor has to do. More work leads to more fuel consumed.

[oj88]

More often when I'm leaving the house very early in the morning (ie. 6AM or whereabouts), I leave the A/C off for about halfway to my destination or until I start to feel a little discomfort. I try to save up some gas, at least during this leg of my daily commute. It all adds up eventually.

At idle, my car uses about 40-50% more fuel while the compressor is engaged. Though a bit OT, even leaving the shifter on Drive, Reverse, or any gear other than Park or Neutral (A/T only), will use about 20-30% more fuel when idle. I tested this on my 2007 Civic FD 1.8S A/T.

I have a video about the test which I made. Unfortunately, I can only show the link when my post count reaches 10 or above. I'll update this thread then.

[oj88]

UPDATE from my previous post, the link to the video I was talking about: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KPF4NPrz2Q"]YouTube - 8th Gen Civic FD (R18 - A/T) idle fuel consumption[/ame]

[niky]

Nice toy... how much does the ScanGauge cost nowadays?

[oj88]

Nice toy... how much does the ScanGauge cost nowadays?

Thanks. Landed price is about Php 8-9K. It should be about 2K cheaper if not for the additional shipping and taxes.

[coiter]

For bigger-engined vehicles, it seems like less of a problem...

yup pansin ko to. sa 1.1L at 1.6L gas cars, may difference talaga sa mileage (mga 1-2 kpl normal driving). pero sa 2.7L na diesel, parang wala. same ang mileage kahit on or off.

[niky]

Thanks. Landed price is about Php 8-9K. It should be about 2K cheaper if not for the additional shipping and taxes.

Ah... pero it's OBDII only, right? My car is OBDI...

Here's a tip... next time you buy overseas, check the price on express door-to-door delivery. Next day delivery is very expensive, but there is "regular" door-to-door... sometimes it's cheaper to ship this way (no taxes if it doesn't go through regular mail) ...and sometimes it's just the same... but the package gets there earlier.

[ghosthunter]

hmmm, Niky is looking for a new toy for his car... too bad it won't work on his Ford RS.

OBD II compliant na ata yung SR20... hehehe

[oj88]

Ah... pero it's OBDII only, right? My car is OBDI...

Here's a tip... next time you buy overseas, check the price on express door-to-door delivery. Next day delivery is very expensive, but there is "regular" door-to-door... sometimes it's cheaper to ship this way (no taxes if it doesn't go through regular mail) ...and sometimes it's just the same... but the package gets there earlier.

Yeah, only works with OBDII. Sorry.

Thanks for the tip. Will definitely keep that in mind. Though the thing is, most stores/sellers doesn't give you much choice when shipping abroad.

Pardon for going OT.

[afrasay]

a little OT:
easy lang sa mga nag off ng aircon at nagbababa ng windows pag gabi na. an officemate of mine got robbed by two motorcycle riding baddits, one cut and stop infront of his Revo while the other brush up on his side and poke a gun on him. it happened along Q. ave eastbound infront of sto. domingo church.