So I know from a rolling start AC is going to suck all that MPG but when you are cruising 60-70mph do you get better MPG with windows down or AC with windows up? I know some people dont use AC at all since it bogs it down or something like that but I like to use AC a lot.

 

For maximum efficiency roll up the windows and turn the heater to the max to cool down the engine bay. MPG is going to go up for sure, but you may die in the process or sustain serious brain damage. Seriously - at 60-70 mph MPG should be worse with windows down and AC off than with windows up and AC on.

 

The AC actually has less of an effect as the wind drag from having your windows down on the MPG. There has been many studies on this, and most of the recent ones are leaning towards it being more efficient to use the AC, plus you will stay more comfortable which is worth the tenth of a mile per gallon difference.

 

What does the instrument Panel says?

 

Yea thats true. At first I was hearing AC cruising it better since studies says so and now Im hearing windows down is better so I wanted to see what you guy were thinking.

 

I dont notice too much of a difference but i use AC all the time since I was thinking its better plus i dont own an evo x yet

 

this thread is awesome!

 

LOL, MPG is a pet peave of mine. Certain cars the discussion shouldn't even come up. If you have a lancer, ok, Evo, no. Bought as a performance car. If people are worried about gas mileage it's best to buy a car that has high MPG from the get go. Trying to do little things to get better gas mileage in a car not known for gas mileage makes very little difference. Like waiting in line at Costco to save 5 cents a gallon. Yes, I just spent 10 min in line to save 70 cents!! I rule!!

BTW I am not trying to be mean here. To each their own. It's just things like windows and AC make hardly any difference. Some say None at all. Just do what makes you comfortable. Personally I never use the AC just because I love the wind coming in. Even when it's a freezing 60 degrees here in So Cal I put on a heavy down jacket and drive with windows open. Only problem is the headliner does get dirty that way.

 

Use the AC

 

lol yea ill use AC

 

windows down ac on

 

A freezing 60 degrees.... thats awsome... do you guys even sell heavy jackets there?

 

I wish 60 degrees wish freezing in MN

 

I havent even turned the ac on to see if it works lmao...windows down sunroof cracked!

 

[QUOTE=Uscbryan;10287539]LOL, MPG is a pet peave of mine. Certain cars the discussion shouldn't even come up. If you have a lancer, ok, Evo, no. Bought as a performance car. If people are worried about gas mileage it's best to buy a car that has high MPG from the get go. Trying to do little things to get better gas mileage in a car not known for gas mileage makes very little difference. Like waiting in line at Costco to save 5 cents a gallon. Yes, I just spent 10 min in line to save 70 cents!! I rule!!

^ I used to argue this with my Dad all the time, he would wait to save 8cents a gallon. I never understood it. Its 100 degrees in NYC today if my car had 10 a/c's they would all be on