32 MPG with the AC on !
Well, I filled the tank for the fist time (well, actually the second, but the first I can calculate MPG from) tonight. Turns out I’m getting about 32.3 MGP. This was pretty much highway, although some of it goes through towns (rural area, not many interstate type highways), so it’s not complete highway. This was in two sections, Wilmington to Fayetteville on Friday then Fayetteville to Charlotte today.
Since it’s hot and humid North Carolina, I did have the AC on, but Click and Clack claim that if you drive with the window open you lose as much aerodynamic smoothness that you get the same MPG as if you had the AC on. I suspect this may be a slight exaggeration, but I also believe there is some truth in it. See the following web sites for some online information:
- Air Conditioning Versus Open Windows from “CarJunky.com,” unsigned article, Oct 2006: Suggestion: Windows around town, AC over 45 MPH.
- Will Rolling Down Windows Save Fuel or Not from Bankrate.com, by Dani M. Arthur, June 2006: Same suggestions as above. This article sites its sources, including AAA and Consumer Reports.
So, I guess I did the right thing driving with the AC on. Now it’s about 10:30 pm, and I drove around the UNC campus neighborhood to find a nice vegetarian Indian restaurant, and free wifi at the Brueger’s Bagels store (right next door to the Starbucks where you have to pay). I’ve been driving with the windows down and the AC off, even though it’s still pretty hot and muggy.
