Avoiding the A/C

[natethegreat38]

I know it is a pretty simple tactic, but I hadn't really thought of this until the other day: I try not to use the A/C for FE reasons but it gets warm in my car when the sun is shining right in, so I like to pace trucks to stay in the big shadow that they cast. This way I am constantly in the shade! It's a simple yet effective way to eliminate the need for A/C. Just my $0.02

[Chupacabra]

Effective as long as you are not concentrating more on staying in the shade than actually driving your car.

[Malaya1221]

i also remember reading here before the hack that using your A/C is a more efficient way of using ur fuel rather than rolling down ur windows because of the drag!

[KCALB SIRAY]

i also remember reading here before the hack that using your A/C is a more efficient way of using ur fuel rather than rolling down ur windows because of the drag!

All true, plus you do not want to be caught in the blind spot of that big rig. I'd avoid doing this at all cost, no matter how hot you get.

[natethegreat38]

All true, plus you do not want to be caught in the blind spot of that big rig. I'd avoid doing this at all cost, no matter how hot you get.

good point about the blind spot (didn't think of that), but I will do it anyhow so long as there is an empty lane on the other side of me. Thanks for the good point though :thumbsup:

[voodoo22]

i also remember reading here before the hack that using your A/C is a more efficient way of using ur fuel rather than rolling down ur windows because of the drag!

This has been proven false by everyone I know of who has a scan gauge and a Yaris. In fact, you will find from people who have hard data that it's actually more FE to roll your windows all the way down than to use your A/C at any speed.

[KCALB SIRAY]

This has been proven false by everyone I know of who has a scan gauge and a Yaris. In fact, you will find from people who have hard data that it's actually more FE to roll your windows all the way down than to use your A/C at any speed.

That might be for some cars, but it also depends on the vehicle we are talking about. Without testing, I'd say our windows, as big as they are, create much more drag than a Grand Prix. :iono:

[rningonfumes]

^ ...in this case, applied to Yaris, voodoo is correct.

[KCALB SIRAY]

how? Wind, weather in general plays a huge part in this. These people he speaks of would have to be in a controlled environment then taken to several locations with different weather conditions. I'd have to disagree here, sorry

[natethegreat38]

i've always read (here on YW) that 45 MPH or less: windows cracked to an inch (or whatever is comfortable); 45 MPH or more: A/C, if necessary because too much drag caused by cracked/open windows is less efficient

[kargoboy]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/gas_pains_mileage_myths_and_misconceptions_feature

[KCALB SIRAY]

I agree with some points in the article, but it still depends on the vehicle in my eyes and conditions. You can't tell me a windy day with 15 to 20 mph winds doesn't play into the cars drag with open windows on an LB yaris vs calm winds out of the southeast at 2 mph. My area, gets hit with crazy winds and I can tell you, without a scan gauge, I've seen the gas get sucked out while having the windows open vs having them open.

EDIT: I guess we can all agree to disagree on this. I just read 4 articles ranging from Car and Driver to Gasbuddy.com. It's 50/50 across the board. Some say yes, some say no.

[b_hickman11]

This has been proven false by everyone I know of who has a scan gauge and a Yaris. In fact, you will find from people who have hard data that it's actually more FE to roll your windows all the way down than to use your A/C at any speed.

Windows down does hurt FE. Compared to windows rolled up with the AC off.

[natethegreat38]

I agree with some points in the article, but it still depends on the vehicle in my eyes and conditions. You can't tell me a windy day with 15 to 20 mph winds doesn't play into the cars drag with open windows on an LB yaris vs calm winds out of the southeast at 2 mph. My area, gets hit with crazy winds and I can tell you, without a scan gauge, I've seen the gas get sucked out while having the windows open vs having them open.

EDIT: I guess we can all agree to disagree on this. I just read 4 articles ranging from Car and Driver to Gasbuddy.com. It's 50/50 across the board. Some say yes, some say no.

Open windows vs. open windows? That's a tough one...:drinking:

[KCALB SIRAY]

They all say different with having the AC on or off so the conclusion I think would be to practice other gas saving tips like making sure tires are inflated to the proper psi, things like that. Good luck

[kargoboy]

I agree that a lot depends on the type of vehicle and conditions.
My only point was to debunk a myth that is widespread.

As for me personally, I will always prefer open windows to A/C no matter how hot it is
outside.

[PETERPOOP]

lol. screw that! you're in their blindspot. no thanks.

[voodoo22]

Windows down does hurt FE. Compared to windows rolled up with the AC off.

I agree with that, that's why I never use the A/C or roll down the windows when I am alone in the car. I change into shorts and a t-shirt for the drive home from work and deal with the heat when it's over 30 degrees Celsius. I also don't use the heater, but instead where gloves and a toque when it's below freezing.

When the windows are fogging I pulse the defroster on as I roll down hills whenever possible.

Some people will call these tactics "not real world". I call it working to save my money and time. I personally don't find it easy to do anything as efficiently as possible.

[b_hickman11]

I agree with that, that's why I never use the A/C or roll down the windows when I am alone in the car. I change into shorts and a t-shirt for the drive home from work and deal with the heat when it's over 30 degrees Celsius. I also don't use the heater, but instead where gloves and a toque when it's below freezing.

When the windows are fogging I pulse the defroster on as I roll down hills whenever possible.

Some people will call these tactics "not real world". I call it working to save my money and time. I personally don't find it easy to do anything as efficiently as possible.

Wow 30 degress Celcius(86 F)? Thats a cool front down here in TX. People wear jackets on those days! Try having 105 F(or 40 Celcius) and a heat index of 120-130 F(which is what it actually feels like). With 100% humidity, simply rolling down the windows will not work. With that much moisture in the air, the sweat is pouring off of you, even if you were to drive naked! AC is a must!

[Malaya1221]

offtopic: ^:laugh: lived in houston, tx for 3yrs. yes, ac is a must!

[floydisrock]

I love a/c.
Couldn't care what it costs me to be comfortable.

[DFA]

I agree with that, that's why I never use the A/C or roll down the windows when I am alone in the car. I change into shorts and a t-shirt for the drive home from work and deal with the heat when it's over 30 degrees Celsius. I also don't use the heater, but instead where gloves and a toque when it's below freezing.

When the windows are fogging I pulse the defroster on as I roll down hills whenever possible.

Some people will call these tactics "not real world". I call it working to save my money and time. I personally don't find it easy to do anything as efficiently as possible.

*bows down to you* I respect your devotion to FE

[*MAD DOG*]

I know it is a pretty simple tactic, but I hadn't really thought of this until the other day: I try not to use the A/C for FE reasons but it gets warm in my car when the sun is shining right in, so I like to pace trucks to stay in the big shadow that they cast. This way I am constantly in the shade! It's a simple yet effective way to eliminate the need for A/C. Just my $0.02

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13143&stc=1&d=1227717033

I hate to be the first one to break this to you but you are not doing your FE any favours by hiding in the shade of the truck. In that picture the shade is on the right side of the truck.

If you drive on the right side (or the left) of the truck you will get all the wind resistance coming off the front of the truck, this will cause more drag on your car and you'll need to put more strain on the engine to keep at the same speed as the truck, thus using more fuel.

As others have also said it is not safe to drive in a trucks blind spot for any amount of time, let alone deliberately staying there. I applaud you for trying to boost your FE, but trust me, use your air con and live a little.

If you want to enhance your FE skills check out Bailouts thread by clicking here (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5979), start by using Basic FE then work your way up.

I hope this helps. :drinking:

[k2vitz]

I know it is a pretty simple tactic, but I hadn't really thought of this until the other day: I try not to use the A/C for FE reasons but it gets warm in my car when the sun is shining right in, so I like to pace trucks to stay in the big shadow that they cast. This way I am constantly in the shade! It's a simple yet effective way to eliminate the need for A/C. Just my $0.02

Simple tactic but very dangerous. I will put on AC if it is hot than to drive in the shadow of that big rig.

[voodoo22]

Wow 30 degress Celcius(86 F)? Thats a cool front down here in TX. People wear jackets on those days! Try having 105 F(or 40 Celcius) and a heat index of 120-130 F(which is what it actually feels like). With 100% humidity, simply rolling down the windows will not work. With that much moisture in the air, the sweat is pouring off of you, even if you were to drive naked! AC is a must!

You only think AC is a must, there are plenty of people who live in hotter areas than that and have no AC. I'm not saying I wouldn't use AC if I was in your climate, but you don't have to have it. 30 degrees plus is the ambient temperature, the interior of the car gets up to mid 50's in slower traffic. I've been to Houston so I know what that kind humid heat is like (but I obviously don't have to deal with it everyday) and I've also live in Winnipeg for many years where I have experienced ambient temperatures from -62 celsius (My car barely started that day even though it was parked in an insulated garage) to +40 celsius. I only turned the A/C on in my house when the computer starts to crash from the heat. My point is, nothing is a must, we just get used to it. In my opinion the more you use A/C, the more you have to use it. If you don't have that option, you get used to it. I was in Phoenix a few years back and I couldn't believe how the locals wouldn't go golfing because they thought it was too hot. They all stayed home with their A/C cranked. I got to golf amazing courses almost by myself.

Not trying to change your mind, just give you a different perspective. I think my car is a must, but we could sell the car and I could waste 2 hours+ more a day on a Mass transit commute. I could deal with it if I didn't have a choice, just like I think you could live without A/C if you didn't have it.

Your body can acclimate to nearly anything if you let it.

I personally think A/C is bad for our health and wish it was outright banned or strongly controlled. Stores and offices are insanely cold with their A/C cranked, front doors open when it's only mid 20's in the summer. Someone like you would come here and probably not understand why the A/C is on at all, just like how some people from a desert in Africa would come to Texas and not understand why you're wasting all those resources on A/C. It's all about perspective and what your options are.

[voodoo22]

*bows down to you* I respect your devotion to FE

:biggrin: Don't respect me, respect the masters at CleanMPG. Their are some people in that community who sacrifice every convenience to save every ounce of energy, because they believe it's the right thing to do. I do it mostly to save money, so I don't deserve any respect. It does make it easier to engage in these actions knowing the off shoots are all positive for everyone though.

[b_hickman11]

You only think AC is a must, there are plenty of people who live in hotter areas than that and have no AC. I'm not saying I wouldn't use AC if I was in your climate, but you don't have to have it. 30 degrees plus is the ambient temperature, the interior of the car gets up to mid 50's in slower traffic. I've been to Houston so I know what that kind humid heat is like (but I obviously don't have to deal with it everyday) and I've also live in Winnipeg for many years where I have experienced ambient temperatures from -62 celsius (My car barely started that day even though it was parked in an insulated garage) to +40 celsius. I only turned the A/C on in my house when the computer starts to crash from the heat. My point is, nothing is a must, we just get used to it. In my opinion the more you use A/C, the more you have to use it. If you don't have that option, you get used to it. I was in Phoenix a few years back and I couldn't believe how the locals wouldn't go golfing because they thought it was too hot. They all stayed home with their A/C cranked. I got to golf amazing courses almost by myself.

Not trying to change your mind, just give you a different perspective. I think my car is a must, but we could sell the car and I could waste 2 hours+ more a day on a Mass transit commute. I could deal with it if I didn't have a choice, just like I think you could live without A/C if you didn't have it.

Your body can acclimate to nearly anything if you let it.

I personally think A/C is bad for our health and wish it was outright banned or strongly controlled. Stores and offices are insanely cold with their A/C cranked, front doors open when it's only mid 20's in the summer. Someone like you would come here and probably not understand why the A/C is on at all, just like how some people from a desert in Africa would come to Texas and not understand why you're wasting all those resources on A/C. It's all about perspective and what your options are.

Well I still get 44 mpg with the AC on full blast and no hyper techs. In the long run it will save me money. If I didnt run the AC, I would have to have my seats professionally cleaned about once a month because they would be smelling from the sweat constantly soaking into them. So some things are a must. No AC and get a few extra mpgs or spend hundreds of $ a year cleaning seats? AC is a must.

[smacky]

Before the hack there was some great data collected that showed FE with windows open or AC running at various speeds. It showed across the board that the AC used more fuel than driving with the windows open. Bailout has come to the same conclusions and my experience with the Scangauge corroborates it as well.
It's different for different cars, Mythbusters did a show with some SUVs and they got better FE with AC running. But I'm pretty sure this is due to their bigger engines.
It can get pretty hot here in Utah too, but 100 degrees here is not the same as 100 degrees in the southeast. I can't say what I'd do there, only the best I could.

[PaidTimeOff]

Also, driving alongside the big rig, it might kick up some gravel and stuff from off the road and onto the side of your car. I work in an industrial area where a lot of big rigs drive up and down the street basically all day long. No one working at my company wants to park their personal vehicles on the side of the road because the big rigs kick up gravel and leave tiny dents/paint chips on the sides of cars as they're driving past. I'd rather just use my a/c than deal with paint chips or a possible safety hazard.

[at3GG]

according to mythbusters anything around 30-35 plus = better eficiency with AC versus windows down


Note- **The above statement is one proven by busters of myths, and in no way reflects the opinions of at3gg or his non existent affiliates.**

[BailOut]

according to mythbusters anything around 30-35 plus = better eficiency with AC versus windows down


Note- **The above statement is one proven by busters of myths, and in no way reflects the opinions of at3gg or his non existent affiliates.**

I wish that the Mythbusters had gathered some useful data before they aired that episode, and so do they. There was such a negative backlash from it that they revisited it later that same season with a much more correct and accurate test and totally debunked their earlier findings. They found what logic tells one one is true: That the a/c causes more of a negative effect on fuel economy in any vehicle and at any speed than having the windows down.

For some reason it seems that most Netizens managed to see that first, incorrect episode but somehow managed to miss the second, corrective one. :tongue:

[eTiMaGo]

Second one's not on the DVD sets either AFAIK :laugh:

[b_hickman11]

I wish that the Mythbusters had gathered some useful data before they aired that episode, and so do they. There was such a negative backlash from it that they revisited it later that same season with a much more correct and accurate test and totally debunked their earlier findings. They found what logic tells one one is true: That the a/c causes more of a negative effect on fuel economy in any vehicle and at any speed than having the windows down.

For some reason it seems that most Netizens managed to see that first, incorrect episode but somehow managed to miss the second, corrective one. :tongue:

Maybe another company came in and paid more money for them to make up some untested results....

[cali yaris]

YouTube clip please? :smile:

[Malaya1221]

This has been proven false by everyone I know of who has a scan gauge and a Yaris. In fact, you will find from people who have hard data that it's actually more FE to roll your windows all the way down than to use your A/C at any speed.

thanks for clarifying it because this is my first thought, both might have negative effects on fuel consumption but i would think lowering down the window is lesser...inihaw, now that i'm living in d best weather socal i don't think i will be using the a/c!:biggrin:

[BailOut]

YouTube clip please? :smile:

I was wrong about the episode placement. The more accurate test showing that windows down is better than a/c was actually in the same episode where the computer measurements showed the opposite. I thought it was in a revisited myth episode later in the season, but that was just a "flashback" to that segment used as a lead in to another fuel economy myth.

That episode, or at least those segments, are not on YouTube (likely due to takedown notices - say, "Thank you, DMCA") but here is a Wikipedia page speaking about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(season_2)#AC_vs._Windows_Down

And here is a more in-depth explanation of the episode: http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2004/11/mythbusters_boom_lift_catapult.html (scroll down to "Windows down vs. air conditioning")

[Kal-El]

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? :iono: Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

[voodoo22]

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? :iono: Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

You also have a fairly efficient car, so your savings for not using the A/C wouldn't be as large as if you were driving a truck or something, but using the A/C does cost you about 10% of your FE.

I'm sure I waste in areas which others can't understand, but whenever I learn how to lessen my areas of waste, I will try my best to put those more efficient methods into practice. For me, not using the A/C in the summer means a 15% improvement in FE and one extra day between visits to the pump.

It's also my experience that if you willingly waste a little in one area you find it easier to waste on other little things and that over time can really add up.

[b_hickman11]

It depends on where you live. In Texas, you must use the AC in the summer. Hell today its already 74 outside and its only 9:45 in the morning. So I'll be using the AC when I go to the Wal-Marts today!

[sceh]

You could also only drive when it doesn't rain so you don't need wipers or, better, live up a hill so don't need to use the battery to start or for the first few hundred yards. And never drive at night in case you need to use the headlights (btw, I knew someone who did this - seriously)
Better still - sell your car and walk!

[91mustang]

I don't know how y'all people get 45 mpg. I get around 34mpg with my 5 speed. I'm thinking y'all drive very slow??

[WeeYari]

I don't know why the @$&# this thread got woken up after 9 years.

Sent from my Elite_5_5_Octa using Tapatalk

[dogsridewith]

so what changed about hypermiling or sceh's 2004 Yaris in those 9 years?

[Bart68]

I love a/c.
Couldn't care what it costs me to be comfortable.

I have to agree, the few pennies it costs to run A/C is way better than cooking to death or having to smell stinky cars around you in traffic. I won't even look at a car for purchase unless it has A/C.

[07liftback]

Why not just turn on AC as you're going down steep hills while in gear? You're gonna need to keep tapping the brakes anyways to slow down, minus well use the drag created by the AC to slow you down.

[carstudiopk]

Why not just turn on AC as you're going down steep hills while in gear? You're gonna need to keep tapping the brakes anyways to slow down, minus well use the drag created by the AC to slow you down.Engine braking itself is enough.

Sent from my vivo 1727 using Tapatalk

[mirapatec]

I actually see very little difference in fuel consumption while using the AC. Really, spending a few US pennies to be comfortable, especially if you are in a hot climate, is not that big of an issue. Turn the AC on and pamper yourself. You deserve it for purchasing a Yaris in the first place.

[dindoul]

Using the A/C use 1 litre more per 100 kilometers.
Open the windows when driving under 80kph

[Neinris]

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? :iono: Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

I wished that gas still only cost $1.60 a gallon like back in 2008!!! :eyebulge: :eyebulge: :eyebulge:

[sh0rtlife]

even at over 5$ a gal im happy i retrofitted the AC option and it gets used price gouged fuel be damnd

[Flubby]

You will probably burn more fuel fluttering your throttle to try and stay right there than you will save by doing this. That truck driver is also gonna hate on you and you are reducing your own effective visibility at the same time.

[ltwargssf]

I have a scan gauge and idling/slow speeds with the ac on you will get a noticeable mpg drop. Once you are going and cruising its not much at all.

[sh0rtlife]

I have a scan gauge and idling/slow speeds with the ac on you will get a noticeable mpg drop. Once you are going and cruising its not much at all.

i can verify that with "real world" use....been delivering a a IC for a big box co, and can tell you without a doubt that idling with the AC on will KILL your mpg, but wide open HWY running it may ding you 1 point at best....dead of summer full AC running i found it wasnt the travel hurting it was the idling IE stop grab package sprint for door sprint back to car GO GO GO, but when your talking about 40-50 stops of sitting idling for 30sec to a min per it adds up fast

someones going to spout shut off the car, yeah our AC systems suck to get "up to speed" but work really well once they are ahead of the heat curve/humidity..and the amount of time to re-cool and remove the humidity we had this summer..your at your next stop swetting bullets and the car has just started to cool again and your shutting it down..by the 3rd stop youve got enough engine heat soak into the cooler that you leave it running for the next 3 stops to "catch up" or you suffer the heat and shut it down entirely as its pumping more humidity into the car trying to play catchup

all said if im delivering with the AC running full and idling at stops i noted a drop from my 27 to 25, while my wife who isnt as fast noted a drop down to around 27..Ie she would spend more time idleing than i would