Does having the A/C on while driving waste gas?

[2 ton hoss]

I ALWAYS HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN, NEVER USE AC.

ONLY TIME I USE AC IS WHEN I AM ALL DRESSED UP TO GO SOMEWHERE (JOB INTERVIEW, FANCY DINNER) AND DON'T WANT TO GET MY HAIR ALL FUCKED.

 

[Tha One CrumCake]

I don't give a fuck about speed, horsepower or acceleration.

I just want to be able to go to some mexican chicks house out in Norwalk in the middle of the day, stay cool, and not waste gas.

 

[Frackal]

I always use the AC....didnt think it hurt the car that badly..mines a 94 Altima GXE

 

[epimetheus]

The Master speaks:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_393.html

 

[bigguns7]

I don't think that "waste" is the right word at all. Does it use additional gas? Yes. Is it a "waste" of gas? Hell no.

My air conditioner keeps me comfortable. When I put on cologne, I still smell like cologne when I get out of the car. My back does not stick to the leather seats. My hair stays combed. I don't breathe exhaust fumes. Passengers in my car are comfortable. It is worth every penny of "wasted" gas.

When I drive with my windows down, I smell like shit when I get out. My hair is blown all over my head. It's still hot as shit, after all I'm just circulating hot air through my car. My back sticks to the leather. I choke on exhaust fumes and roast when at a stoplight. On the plus side, I get another 1.5 miles per gallon. I'll stick with my AC.

 

[Code]

Yes it does.
In fact, driving with the defrost on in most cars wastes just as much gas. Most cars direct defrost through the AC compressor.

 

[NFG123]

?

Its better to leave that AC on and keep those windows closed. When driving, the drag created by the windows on the car eats more fuel than just your AC. Plus AC is way better!

NFG

 

[Code]

The drag co-efficient in most modern cars is probably not that great. (I mean unless you dirve at insane speeds) Especially if you have those little window visor/guard thingies.

The compressor in the AC pulls a significant amount of power from the engine, thus wasting gas.

 

[bigschweeler]

I ALWAYS HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN, NEVER USE AC.

ONLY TIME I USE AC IS WHEN I AM ALL DRESSED UP TO GO SOMEWHERE (JOB INTERVIEW, FANCY DINNER) AND DON'T WANT TO GET MY HAIR ALL FUCKED.

You'd feel differently if you lived where I do! Today it's going to be 109 degrees and sunny. AC everywhere is a must unless you're floating in a pool.

 

[Lao Tzu]

Unless you drive a dump truck why would it matter?

Gas is around $1.40 a gallon
The average person drives 250 miles a week
The average vehicle (what a stupid word, vehicle) gets around 20 mpg.

So you will be buying about 12 gallons a week. If gas mileage is cut by 10% (a giant estimate, i am sure), you would spend an extra $1.50 a week on gas.