Does running your air conditioner in your car take extra gas?

by Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

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AAA says driving with your air conditioner on gets you better gas mileage than driving with your windows down. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Jun 4, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:15 AM EST

We're expecting temperatures in the 90's later this week and that could present a dilemma for drivers looking to save on gas.

Kevin from South Bend wants to know, “Does running your air conditioner in your car take extra gas? If so, about how much?”

Gas prices are high, that's no secret. And some drivers are taking steps to try and cut down on how much gas they use.

“I try to fill up just $20 at a time," one driver told WSBT News. "It doesn't do anything but it makes me feel better!"

“I don't want to waste so I'm a little more careful about doing several errands at once rather than taking off whenever the spirit moves me," said another driver.

“I’m not going to see my son in North Carolina. I’m not going to see my daughter in Seattle … [I] call them up on the phone," another driver said.

Later this week when the sun is beating down to the tune of 90 degrees, your thoughts will also turn to staying cool.

Believe it or not, according to AAA, the best way to stay cool and get the best gas mileage is to use the air conditioner. AAA says rolling down your windows hurts a car's aerodynamics. It's like driving into a head wind. AAA has no numbers on exactly how much you save, but many other experts also believe this to be the case.

However, it's important to note that not running the air conditioner would also help. An air conditioner draws power from your engine which uses gas. But there are no firm numbers on exactly how much gas it uses. And in 90+ degree heat, keeping your A/C off is not a safe solution.

One way to save gas is to drive at night when it's cooler.

In that case you may be able to keep your windows rolled up and the air conditioner off.

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