Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance mpg vs. a/c

ok the car gets great gas mileage when the a/c is off but once the a/c is on ive been noticeing some major mpg drop

i know its vague but any ideas

It very normal to lose a few mpg when you have the a/c on. It is more pronounced when you are comparing city driving.

I saw a mythbusters episode that tested that theory. They came to the conclusion that at 55mph with your windows down gets better gas milage than have the A/C on at the same speed.

I cruise w/ my windows down all the time (unless on highway) and get over 300 miles on one tank of gas easily.

yeah i figured i guess i havent used the a/c as much sinced i owned the car just recently ive been using it a whole lot more
when i use it i get the economy of a v8 some times when im at a stop light with the a/c on i can almost see the gas guage move