Question.......

[BP_Z28]

Does running your heater lose MPG?...It doesnt right just using the A/C?....Just wondering to see if I'm right or wrong.

[willasc]

I think it depends on which mode you are in. If it's on vent and heat, the A/C compressor don't kick in. But if it's in defrost, somehow it does to kick in the compressor to help use the dryer to take moisture out so your windows don't fog up (at least you will see you A/C light on). But either way, I don't think it make enough of a difference. At this temperature, eat as much gas as it wants, I rather be warm then to save 1 or 2 mpg!

[MiT/A'96]

:snowman: .......... I would go along with that !! ^

[meissen]

I have to use Max A/C to get my car warm in this cold weather.

[MyBadZ28]

the only reason the a/c use's gas is because it engauges the clutch on the A/C which puts a load on the engine.

[Orange Terror]

Actually last I knew though, running the A/C (which engages the compressor) is actually more efficient than having the windows down anyway. Pretty much any vehicle is going to experience resistance due to the disruption in airflow with windows down. However, us with T-Tops know that it doesn't matter to us on a nice day, lol.

[meissen]

Actually last I knew though, running the A/C (which engages the compressor) is actually more efficient than having the windows down anyway. Pretty much any vehicle is going to experience resistance due to the disruption in airflow with windows down. However, us with T-Tops know that it doesn't matter to us on a nice day, lol.

I believe MythBusters actually proved this. One way or the other, though, I can't remember what the results were. They pumped all the gas out of two exactly the same vehicles and then put 5 gallons into the vehicles. They then drove the vehicles around a circular race track, one with AC on and windows up, the other with AC off and windows down. I think windows down and AC off actually won, though, because the "drag" experienced was minimal compared to the "drag" of the AC compressor being engaged.

[DRYSUMP]

my car only gets warm if i let it sit for 20mins and warm up then drive somewhere close... if im driving on a freeway going to school or else where i freeze my ass off i hate it....anyone know why?

[Orange Terror]

I believe MythBusters actually proved this. One way or the other, though, I can't remember what the results were. They pumped all the gas out of two exactly the same vehicles and then put 5 gallons into the vehicles. They then drove the vehicles around a circular race track, one with AC on and windows up, the other with AC off and windows down. I think windows down and AC off actually won, though, because the "drag" experienced was minimal compared to the "drag" of the AC compressor being engaged.

yeah idk, I've tried it both ways on my hour highway drive back and forth to work in my Cavi last summer and the mileage was about the same IIRC. Speed will determine it too.

[cobalt camaro]

Alot of times if your car doesn't heat up good it could be the mixture or coolant your using. More water than coolant results in slower heating. Or your thermostat could be going. If your coolant temp reads good but yet it's still not blowing out hot air, you might want to check your thermostat.

[Orange Terror]

Alot of times if your car doesn't heat up good it could be the mixture or coolant your using. More water than coolant results in slower heating. Or your thermostat could be going. If your coolant temp reads good but yet it's still not blowing out hot air, you might want to check your thermostat.

I used to work with a guy that just drove beaters and they heater didn't work on a couple of them so he bought a dash heater that would plug into the lighter.

[WMCC Gary]

Mileage? I don't really care, I do what ever makes me comfortable.

[ZeeVert]

I believe MythBusters actually proved this. ... I think windows down and AC off actually won, ....

I thought it was the other way, but i can't remember for sure either.

[Last Chance]

my car is pretty sweet, I let it sit for 5/10minuets and come out, it's heated up and ready for me to drive to school.

[willasc]

my car only gets warm if i let it sit for 20mins and warm up then drive somewhere close... if im driving on a freeway going to school or else where i freeze my ass off i hate it....anyone know why?

Yeah I'll have to say it's your thermostat. When your car is at idle and before the fan kicks in until 215 or 235 (can't remember the temp exactly), you'll be nice and warm. But as soon as you get on the highway, all the air will cool of the engine coolant, thus loss of your heater.