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I am not sure if there are less cars on the road but I definitely notice that lots of cars and SUVs go around with their windows rolled down...on days it has to be pretty uncomfortable.Maybe it's about saving gas?
I drive a small car and have always planned my trips, my husband though, finally downsized his vehicle!
One thing I have been doing lately is not going out anywhere for lunch during the week at work. Not only am I saving gas, but I'm saving $ I normally would have spent at the deli. Eating at my desk does make for a l o o o o n g day at work though.
I am not sure if there are less cars on the road but I definitely notice that lots of cars and SUVs go around with their windows rolled down...on days it has to be pretty uncomfortable.Maybe it's about saving gas?
I drive a small car and have always planned my trips, my husband though, finally downsized his vehicle!
Actually rolling your windows down creates drag on your car and you end up using more gas. AC is actually better. Sometimes I like to drive with the windows open and I don't care about the gas.
I have also noticed that traffic on the highways has been lighter, but I too have a feeling it will increase slightly when the summer is over.
Actually rolling your windows down creates drag on your car and you end up using more gas. AC is actually better. Sometimes I like to drive with the windows open and I don't care about the gas.
Studies have shown that it depends on the car and how fast you are going. For the most part, going under 45 its more efficient to have the windows down. Going above 45 is more efficient with the windows up because of drag.
On short drives, windows down is better because of how long the A/C would take to cool down the interior volume from its temp while parked (could be 115 degrees) to 78 or whatever you set the temp to. Whereas opening the window (especially the large 4 windows in SUV) will get the interior quickly to ambient air temp plus the wind chill benefit.
I've noticed many more people taking the bus and the park and ride lots are full. It'll be interesting once school starts up if things have changed.
That's true...cars with windows rolled down really screws up the aerodynamics and will kill your gas mileage. Also, numerous studies have shown that the more comfortable the operator of a vehicle is, the more effieciently the will operate it. AC actually SAVES gas and a pretty good amount too.
Adam and Jamie tackle not so much a myth as what they call an "urban puzzle". The debate arises because both methods of cooling influence a car's fuel efficiency—air conditioning requires a lot of power to run, but at the same time, open windows create drag.
* Revisited in MythBusters Revisited, Season 3, episode 38
Myth statement
Running a car with air conditioning on is more fuel efficient than running with the windows down.
Status
Partly Busted
Notes
Tests were performed under varying conditions (55 mph versus 45 mph). Also, the 55 mph test was using a computer to estimate fuel efficiency based on air intake, not actual fuel consumption, and showed A/C was more efficient. The 45 mph test consisted of running the tank until it was empty, and showed open windows were more efficient. This experiment--or one like it--is sometimes cited by the Magliozzi Brothers on Car Talk when presented with this question.
Running a car with air conditioning on is more fuel efficient than running with the windows down. (From AC vs. Windows Down)
Status
Partly Re-Busted/Partly Confirmed
Notes
The fundamental flaw in the MythBusters' test was that the point where the drag becomes powerful enough to inhibit a car's performance with windows down was inside their 45–55mph margin at 50mph. Going less than 50mph it is more efficient to leave your windows down, but going greater than 50mph it is more efficient to use your A/C. Since then, this particular bit of knowledge has been used frequently on Car Talk.[citation needed]
I also think they busted the myth riding with the tail gate down does not save on gas and turning car off while waiting at drive thrus then restarting does not save on gas.
I enjoy feeling the warmth of the Carolina weather is why I ride with my windows down.
The people arguing about this though probably don't check their tires for proper inflation, which is probably the best easy thing you can do to save gas.
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C'mon.......
