A/C kills my mpg

[Thyshallsmite]

Originally Posted by =Stephens=

The app is called "Torque" there is a free version and a paid version. The paid version is 4.99 and it lets your customize your gauges on your screen to whatever you want it to be. I have one that monitors my MAF, MPG, Torque, HP, Air to Fuel ratio. You can even do a 0-60 and it can time if for you.

how the heck does that event work? does it have like an add in module or something you plug into your car?

[=Stephens=]

You plug in the OBD reader into the slot below. And it reads thru your blutooth from your phone.

[Kent2010]

Odd. I've never seen more than about a 1 mpg loss from the AC. Even then, it could be the hotter weather contributing to a drop in mpg due to the higher air intake temps. Mileage and HP drop as the outside air temps go up.

Mythbusters did a show on this topic once ... IIRC, *at highway speeds*, their test showed that you will get worse mileage from the drag of open windows than with the AC on.

Cheers,
Kent

[Dtrimpi87]

Originally Posted by =Stephens=

The app is called "Torque" there is a free version and a paid version. The paid version is 4.99 and it lets your customize your gauges on your screen to whatever you want it to be. I have one that monitors my MAF, MPG, Torque, HP, Air to Fuel ratio. You can even do a 0-60 and it can time if for you.

That is awesome. I will definitely look into that. Time to find a Bluetooth obdII reader.

Sent from the rocket in my pocket, my all powerful DROID BIONIC.

[TooCool5]

AC doesn't effect highway MPG's at all. Windows down creates more drag.

Around town maybe.

[Emig5m]

I don't care if I lose MPG with the AC on. I'd rather be comfortable, lol.

[menendez1293]

Originally Posted by Dylan88

turning the a/c off is not an option here in florida.

Hahaha. I drive all year windows down and moon roof open. and have lived in Florida all my life. You say you can't but after a while you get used to not having the a/c on in the car.

[Android42019]

Its because that A/C is working eating up more fuel and taking power from the car, when it takes power you give more gas to make up for that loss. i try to not use the A/C as much as possible because it really does effect it in the long run. Plus it just looks way cooler with everything opened up

Alot of my other cars didnt have working A/C so naturally i used natures a/c most of the time xD

[LoneCynic]

My old pickup has had its fair share of issues over the years. One that I have yet to get repaired is the non-functioning AC unit. I've been driving with windows down and back slide window open to stay cool in summer for many years now. When I got my Camaro, I was so used to this method that I don"t think I've used the AC in it once when it has been just me in the car. I only turn it on when I have a complaining passenger, otherwise it's just both windows down. Don't care if it creates drag, it is just the method I prefer.

[Mr_Draco]

It depends on how fast you are going on which gives you better mpg's. Around town having your windows down gives you better mileage but at highway speeds turning on your ac gives you better mileage. I'm don't really remember but I think the cut off was 45 mph is when you should switch from one to the other.

[REDXIIIDave]

Originally Posted by =Stephens=

The app is called "Torque" there is a free version and a paid version. The paid version is 4.99 and it lets your customize your gauges on your screen to whatever you want it to be. I have one that monitors my MAF, MPG, Torque, HP, Air to Fuel ratio. You can even do a 0-60 and it can time if for you.

I have this for my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (mounted in my car). Best $5 I ever spent.

[Kite31]

I try not to use my A/C because of the pull back but it's becoming pretty warm here. I let my windows down when I know I'm going to go under 60 mph. The wind blowing to the back makes me paranoid of my top at higher speed. xp

[Moonchopper]

Wow that app looks bad ass. Too bad I sold my Motorola Xoom :(

[SSBlack]

Originally Posted by Dtrimpi87

Which app are you referring to? This has peaked my interest.

Sent from the rocket in my pocket, my all powerful DROID BIONIC.

You're kidding with that sig, aren't you? The Bionic was an epic failure imo. Spend any time in Moto or Verizon forums and read for yourself. I know, your phone has been "great". I have an original Droid X and I literally had to go to my pc to post this because it freezes up and reboots so often. Don't like Apple. Nothing else out there, now.

Back to A/C.

Gas mileage isn't really something I ever think about. And like others, the climate around here usually only permits driving without the A/C in the morning before the sun rises.