Gas saving “myth buster” for companies using GPS fleet tracking
Companies using GPS fleet tracking devices want to get the most out of their investment, but there are ways to save gas that are in no way related to the information your GPS fleet tracking software provides.
Case in point: Fuel savings from rolling down a vehicle’s windows (with A/C off) vs. consistently using your air conditioner.
The short answer, according to edmunds.com, is that there is “no measurable difference” between the two. So, roll the windows down for a breath of fresh air or roll ‘em up and crank the A/C with the sun beating down this summer-either way your fuel efficiency remains just about the same (depending on the age and models of your vehicles).
Need some proof?
Edmunds’ test drove a 55 mile-loop in two vehicles at equal speeds both times — 65 mph. The first loop was driven with the A/C on and the windows up, the second loop with the A/C off and windows down. In the second test they drove 20-mile loops. This was far enough to see gas mileage level off and remain steady between their two tests.
Edmunds’ final word: Just do what’s comfortable.
Isn’t that comforting to hear? Advice that doesn’t insist you do something you really don’t want to.
What else had you heard about A/C usage and fuel savings? Do you believe the results of Edmunds’ tests?
2 Responses to “Gas saving “myth buster” for companies using GPS fleet tracking”
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I know for a fact that Edmunds is full of c__p. I have been driving long before Edmunds ever was. Driving with the A/C on will greatly reduce your gas milage. Simply by dragging the engine down while the A/C compresser is on, causing the engine to burn A LOT more fuel. I drive all across the country as a salesman, and i have seen with my own eyes the difference it makes when the A/C is on and when its not. A BIG DIFFERENCE. Depending on how hot it is and how much the A/C compresser runs. You can ask any big truck driver what they think also, and i bet they will tell you the same thing.
CBC News in Toronto, Canada provides a nice, middle ground answer to this debate:
“Using an air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. Open windows can be a fuel-saving alternative to air conditioning at low city speeds. However, at highway speeds open windows increase drag and heighten fuel consumption.”
So, the short answer is, it depends-what kind of vehicle (old/new, big/small) and how (city or highway speeds) you are driving.
Test out “windows open vs. windows up/A/C on” in your vehicle. How is your MPG affected?