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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by KCALB SIRAY

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

[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/...ptions_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.

[natethegreat38]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[floydisrock]

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

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by 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

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, start by using Basic FE then work your way up.

I hope this helps.

[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.