miaheatlvr
Active Member
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Does turning your A/C in your car from REG to MAX A/C Use more Gas?
- Thread starter miaheatlvr
- Start date
Originally Posted by Devil Dog
http:///forum/post/2697259
I don't know about turning it to max but haveing it on will use more gas...
I thought I remember seeing a Mythbusters that said that running the AC with the windows closed used the same amount of gas as not using it but driving with the windows open because of the drag from the wind.
http:///forum/post/2697259
I don't know about turning it to max but haveing it on will use more gas...
I thought I remember seeing a Mythbusters that said that running the AC with the windows closed used the same amount of gas as not using it but driving with the windows open because of the drag from the wind.
bang guy
Moderator
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2697276
I think turning the A/C to max only puts it on the recirculation mode, not pulling in outside air anymore. So my guess would be no, it does not use more gas.
I believe it depends on the AC unit. Some go into an actual high mode and most just recirculate.
http:///forum/post/2697276
I think turning the A/C to max only puts it on the recirculation mode, not pulling in outside air anymore. So my guess would be no, it does not use more gas.
I believe it depends on the AC unit. Some go into an actual high mode and most just recirculate.
reefforbrains
Active Member
Most a/c systems have a override that automatically kicks on your cooling fans when you turn the A/C to High.
This is meant to get an early jump on your car overheating. The fans do have an addittional electric draw that normally wouldnt be present unless car was already very hot and potentially overheating.
Robs your car of performance but also fuel economy, its is a small amount but noticed when a person is familair with thier car and knows exactly what feul economy they normally expect.
The AC unit has a compressor that is operated on a clutch that also robs power and fuel economy but we are talking about the a/c being on HIGH compared to regular.
The drag from windows being open is HUGE when at freeway speeds. Round town I would think it to be minimal.
This is meant to get an early jump on your car overheating. The fans do have an addittional electric draw that normally wouldnt be present unless car was already very hot and potentially overheating.
Robs your car of performance but also fuel economy, its is a small amount but noticed when a person is familair with thier car and knows exactly what feul economy they normally expect.
The AC unit has a compressor that is operated on a clutch that also robs power and fuel economy but we are talking about the a/c being on HIGH compared to regular.
The drag from windows being open is HUGE when at freeway speeds. Round town I would think it to be minimal.
prime311
Active Member
Originally Posted by DragonZim
http:///forum/post/2697272
I thought I remember seeing a Mythbusters that said that running the AC with the windows closed used the same amount of gas as not using it but driving with the windows open because of the drag from the wind.
This is true. Driving with no a/c and windows closed uses the least gas though.
http:///forum/post/2697272
I thought I remember seeing a Mythbusters that said that running the AC with the windows closed used the same amount of gas as not using it but driving with the windows open because of the drag from the wind.
This is true. Driving with no a/c and windows closed uses the least gas though.
digitydash
Active Member
Originally Posted by prime311
http:///forum/post/2697387
This is true. Driving with no a/c and windows closed uses the least gas though.
Would love to see that here
http:///forum/post/2697387
This is true. Driving with no a/c and windows closed uses the least gas though.
Would love to see that here
aquaknight
Active Member
I'm not positive, but I don't think there is a difference between low and high. The difference is between on and off. The compressor still has to cycle the freon through the consender, drier, accumulator, and finally the evaporator, even on low to get a steady stream of cool air. The different settings just indicates how fast the blower motor pulls air across the evaporator and blows out through the vents. Compressor clutches don't slip, (like a torque converter), so they either are not spinning or are engaged. This is why on an ineffective a/c system, air is sometimes actually 'cooler' temperature-wise, then on higher fan setting speeds, when the air seems to get a touch warmer.
As for as "Max A/C" in about 99% of cars, all that means it switches to recirculation, or pulling air from inside your car, instead of fresh, outside air.
As for as "Max A/C" in about 99% of cars, all that means it switches to recirculation, or pulling air from inside your car, instead of fresh, outside air.
socal57che
Active Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2697429
I'm not positive, but I don't think there is a difference between low and high. The difference is between on and off. The compressor still has to cycle the freon through the consender, drier, accumulator, and finally the evaporator, even on low to get a steady stream of cool air. The different settings just indicates how fast the blower motor pulls air across the evaporator and blows out through the vents. Compressor clutches don't slip, (like a torque converter), so they either are not spinning or are engaged. This is why on an ineffective a/c system, air is sometimes actually 'cooler' temperature-wise, then on higher fan setting speeds, when the air seems to get a touch warmer.
As for as "Max A/C" in about 99% of cars, all that means it switches to recirculation, or pulling air from inside your car, instead of fresh, outside air.
I agree.
A/C compressors also run in defrost mode regardless of temp setting.
Also, many late model cars cycle the A/C compressor in ANY mode to keep the compressor lubricated. Ford trucks do this.
Any difference in fuel economy would be trumped by the comfort factor, IMO.
http:///forum/post/2697429
I'm not positive, but I don't think there is a difference between low and high. The difference is between on and off. The compressor still has to cycle the freon through the consender, drier, accumulator, and finally the evaporator, even on low to get a steady stream of cool air. The different settings just indicates how fast the blower motor pulls air across the evaporator and blows out through the vents. Compressor clutches don't slip, (like a torque converter), so they either are not spinning or are engaged. This is why on an ineffective a/c system, air is sometimes actually 'cooler' temperature-wise, then on higher fan setting speeds, when the air seems to get a touch warmer.
As for as "Max A/C" in about 99% of cars, all that means it switches to recirculation, or pulling air from inside your car, instead of fresh, outside air.
I agree.
A/C compressors also run in defrost mode regardless of temp setting.
Also, many late model cars cycle the A/C compressor in ANY mode to keep the compressor lubricated. Ford trucks do this.
Any difference in fuel economy would be trumped by the comfort factor, IMO.
salty blues
Active Member
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
salty blues
Active Member
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
salty blues
Active Member
Does turning your A/C in your car from REG to MAX A/C Use more Gas?
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
http:///forum/post/2697256
How about turning the FAN Speed from Low to High? Thanks if any mechanics know?
Only if you are al gore.
stdreb27
Active Member
It really depends, to answer the original question, norm to Max usually has to do with vents not changing a setting on the compressor.
In cars their are two different types of air compressors, one has a clutch, and is more common I believe, when you turn the AC on it engages the compressor then turns off when it reaches a certain pressure it keep it from freezing over.
Another one doesn't use a clutch and just turns the compressor constantly. No matter what, if you are using that system then your gas milage will be the same, however with the other system you'll use more gas since their is additional pressure load on the motor. It isn't significant.
Mythbusters did do an experiment, what is intersted they went to ford and their computer model of gas usage showed better gas with the air on. However once the did a run, they got better gas milage with the air off. I like they went like 15 more miles. So who knows, either way, in houston I don't care I'm running the air.
In cars their are two different types of air compressors, one has a clutch, and is more common I believe, when you turn the AC on it engages the compressor then turns off when it reaches a certain pressure it keep it from freezing over.
Another one doesn't use a clutch and just turns the compressor constantly. No matter what, if you are using that system then your gas milage will be the same, however with the other system you'll use more gas since their is additional pressure load on the motor. It isn't significant.
Mythbusters did do an experiment, what is intersted they went to ford and their computer model of gas usage showed better gas with the air on. However once the did a run, they got better gas milage with the air off. I like they went like 15 more miles. So who knows, either way, in houston I don't care I'm running the air.
aquaknight
Active Member
Originally Posted by stdreb27
http:///forum/post/2699373
Mythbusters did do an experiment, what is intersted they went to ford and their computer model of gas usage showed better gas with the air on. However once the did a run, they got better gas milage with the air off. I like they went like 15 more miles. So who knows, either way, in houston I don't care I'm running the air.
That particular experiment was THE WORST one they've ever done. Did you see how they 'emptied' the tanks to get them even? They friggin tried syphoning the gas out through the nozzle. Like wow, hey geniuses, A.) modern tank has many baffles and chambers designed into it. The chance that they got the hose to the best spot and got all the gas out, is slim to none. And B.) Just disconnect the fuel filter and have the fuel pump empty the tank for you.
Robotic guys sure, but that episode let me know they haven't turned a wrench on a car too many times...
stdreb27
Active Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2699380
That particular experiment was THE WORST one they've ever done. Did you see how they 'emptied' the tanks to get them even? They friggin tried syphoning the gas out through the nozzle. Like wow, hey geniuses, A.) modern tank has many baffles and chambers designed into it. The chance that they got the hose to the best spot and got all the gas out, is slim to none. And B.) Just disconnect the fuel filter and have the fuel pump empty the tank for you.
Robotic guys sure, but that episode let me know they haven't turned a wrench on a car too many times...
Did you see when they took the bed off the truck dropped it in a hole and used it as a dyno?
Yeah, I thought the same thing, why not just lets the fuel filter pump it out. Heck light the match and make it a flame thrower 40 psi of pressure ought to shoot the gas a little bit.
aquaknight
Active Member
No, I stopped really watching recently with in the last couple of years. Gotten way too 'showy' not the roots type myths and stuff.
I mean they're cool guys, but it's too much now. They came to UCF back in 2004 and were awesome to talk to. Have you seen the one they blew up that concrete truck down in the quarry? About 95% of that episode was fake. They did it with FAR too much dynamite. They had chunks of truck landing 300 yards behind them. But cut to the show and they're like 5 miles away on that cliff. When I saw the episode, I yelled out, "that's not what happened."
I mean they're cool guys, but it's too much now. They came to UCF back in 2004 and were awesome to talk to. Have you seen the one they blew up that concrete truck down in the quarry? About 95% of that episode was fake. They did it with FAR too much dynamite. They had chunks of truck landing 300 yards behind them. But cut to the show and they're like 5 miles away on that cliff. When I saw the episode, I yelled out, "that's not what happened."
stdreb27
Active Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2699396
No, I stopped really watching recently with in the last couple of years. Gotten way too 'showy' not the roots type myths and stuff.
I mean they're cool guys, but it's too much now. They came to UCF back in 2004 and were awesome to talk to. Have you seen the one they blew up that concrete truck down in the quarry? About 95% of that episode was fake. They did it with FAR too much dynamite. They had chunks of truck landing 300 yards behind them. But cut to the show and they're like 5 miles away on that cliff. When I saw the episode, I yelled out, "that's not what happened."
So you're saying they weren't miles away when they blew the cement truck?
http:///forum/post/2699396
No, I stopped really watching recently with in the last couple of years. Gotten way too 'showy' not the roots type myths and stuff.
I mean they're cool guys, but it's too much now. They came to UCF back in 2004 and were awesome to talk to. Have you seen the one they blew up that concrete truck down in the quarry? About 95% of that episode was fake. They did it with FAR too much dynamite. They had chunks of truck landing 300 yards behind them. But cut to the show and they're like 5 miles away on that cliff. When I saw the episode, I yelled out, "that's not what happened."
So you're saying they weren't miles away when they blew the cement truck?