A/C always on or off when driving
#17
Three Wheelin'
I never use the ECO button - I simply turn it off when the top is down and the temp outside is good. If it is too hot or cold then I leave it on when the top is down, and it is always on when the top is up.
FWIW, I heard on the news that Edmunds.com just did a test and found that turning off the A/C made virtually no difference to fuel economy.I think this is the article:
http://www.edmunds.com/fueleconomy/index.html
FWIW, I heard on the news that Edmunds.com just did a test and found that turning off the A/C made virtually no difference to fuel economy.I think this is the article:
http://www.edmunds.com/fueleconomy/index.html
#18
The eco button disables the compressor. If it's below about 60 deg then you don't want the compressor on as it may be damaged running at "low" temps. If the car interior is hot (sitting in the sun) and it's "cold" out then I push the eco button to deactivate the compressor.
#19
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by boolala
The eco button disables the compressor. If it's below about 60 deg then you don't want the compressor on as it may be damaged running at "low" temps. If the car interior is hot (sitting in the sun) and it's "cold" out then I push the eco button to deactivate the compressor.
My Mercedes has a 1998 implementation of this and it isn't as good as I'd like because it ends up roasting me when the temp drops below 60.
#21
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
The A/C also acts as a dehumidifier...
Thats why the interior of the windows stay clear of fog on a cold and rainy night.
even tho the heat is on,
the a/c is removing the moisture in the cabin.
We all have seen the cars with the windows fogged up .
Thats why the interior of the windows stay clear of fog on a cold and rainy night.
even tho the heat is on,
the a/c is removing the moisture in the cabin.
We all have seen the cars with the windows fogged up .
#22
Banned
Originally Posted by boolala
If it's below about 60 deg then you don't want the compressor on as it may be damaged running at "low" temps.
A typical A/C system removes humidity as it chills the air and then heats this dry cold air to "room temperature" comfort levels devoid of the moisture in order to maintain low humidity levels that won't fog up your windows in your cabin.
#23
I don't see how the compressor could be engaged and not cost you horsepower and fuel mileage.
I'm in FL, so it's in the 90's here during the day. Good place to own a white or silver car. So, I bought a new BLACK 997! I've been running around on "econ" sweating, trying to save a little gas. Premium here is $3.22/gal. So, am I hearing correctly that I can let the A/C stay on and it won't cost me power, more gas, or damage the compressor at, like... 7800 rpm? Have I been sweating for no reason?
I'm in FL, so it's in the 90's here during the day. Good place to own a white or silver car. So, I bought a new BLACK 997! I've been running around on "econ" sweating, trying to save a little gas. Premium here is $3.22/gal. So, am I hearing correctly that I can let the A/C stay on and it won't cost me power, more gas, or damage the compressor at, like... 7800 rpm? Have I been sweating for no reason?
#24
Banned
Originally Posted by Buzz911S
I don't see how the compressor could be engaged and not cost you horsepower and fuel mileage.
Of course it does.
So, am I hearing correctly that I can let the A/C stay on and it won't cost me power, more gas, or damage the compressor at, like... 7800 rpm? Have I been sweating for no reason?
Of course it does.
So, am I hearing correctly that I can let the A/C stay on and it won't cost me power, more gas, or damage the compressor at, like... 7800 rpm? Have I been sweating for no reason?
Any accessory load on the engine, be it ever so small, bleeds away horsepower and increases fuel consumption - it's an inescapable physical reality. Every car enthusiast should know that.
Incidentally, those young kids with the monster megawatt audio systems, they may be scratching their heads wondering why their newly equipped cars now get such poor gas mileage. It takes power to power those things and that power has to come from somewhere. In this case it's from the overworked alternator that has to constantly run in order to feed the power demands of these audio systems. I wouldn't be surprised if these guys go through alternators as often as batteries.
#26
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by icon
yes, when it's the light is on it means it's turned off.
i keep mine light on / turned off as well but only get about 15 mpg!
i keep mine light on / turned off as well but only get about 15 mpg!
I originally thought the ECO switch was only for the rear seat controls until I couldn't find the corresponding "1st Class" button for my seat.
#27
Banned
Also, running the car with Daytime Running Lamps consumes more fuel, as any and all electrical consumption forces the alternator to come online more often, loading the engine more often.
For those thinking ahead, yes, the corollary is that night time driving consumes more fuel than daytime driving, all things being equal otherwise, however negligible the amount might be.
For those thinking ahead, yes, the corollary is that night time driving consumes more fuel than daytime driving, all things being equal otherwise, however negligible the amount might be.
#28
Originally Posted by OCBen
Don't know where you heard that but it's incorrect.
Any accessory load on the engine, be it ever so small, bleeds away horsepower and increases fuel consumption - it's an inescapable physical reality. Every car enthusiast should know that.
Incidentally, those young kids with the monster megawatt audio systems, they may be scratching their heads wondering why their newly equipped cars now get such poor gas mileage. It takes power to power those things and that power has to come from somewhere. In this case it's from the overworked alternator that has to constantly run in order to feed the power demands of these audio systems. I wouldn't be surprised if these guys go through alternators as often as batteries.
Any accessory load on the engine, be it ever so small, bleeds away horsepower and increases fuel consumption - it's an inescapable physical reality. Every car enthusiast should know that.
Incidentally, those young kids with the monster megawatt audio systems, they may be scratching their heads wondering why their newly equipped cars now get such poor gas mileage. It takes power to power those things and that power has to come from somewhere. In this case it's from the overworked alternator that has to constantly run in order to feed the power demands of these audio systems. I wouldn't be surprised if these guys go through alternators as often as batteries.
Originally Posted by ronmart
FWIW, I heard on the news that Edmunds.com just did a test and found that turning off the A/C made virtually no difference to fuel economy.I think this is the article:
http://www.edmunds.com/fueleconomy/index.html
Those clever Germans!
#29
Banned
Hey Buzz, I didn't realize your first post was said in sarcasm. ... It went "whooooop" right over my head.
Now that I've re-read it, it's actually funny now that I can pick up on your sense of humor.
Sounds like your race car is a quarter-miler. A funny car?
Now that I've re-read it, it's actually funny now that I can pick up on your sense of humor.
Sounds like your race car is a quarter-miler. A funny car?