Quote:
Originally Posted by bizzybearfigiblue
actually there have been tests done on other cars, i say other cars b/c i haven't seen one on the civics yet... but these tests have proven that the a/c wastes more gas theory is WRONG... especially on the highway... city is about even but hwy u actually get more mpg using the a/c...
if driving manual: if u shift at the same rpms with a/c on or off u will get the same mpg...
i've even seen dyno's where the a/c only makes the car lose about 5-10lbtq off peak and the hp is only off by about 1-2hp...
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I agree to some extent. It still introduce significant loss, IMHO. In fact, you can feel the car slow down slightly when the compressor kicks in. To compensate, you have to give it more gas. Not to mention that the blowers (both inside and the fan outside) are turned on with the A/C, putting more load on the alternator, adding more drag to the engine.
But on the highway, you would usually open the windows when not using the A/C. This disturbs the car's aerodynamics and would somewhat affect MPG. You're better off turning on the A/C (windows closed) on the highway... roughly the same MPG but much more comfortable for the passengers (little or no wind noise).
Sorry for going OT.