AC or Windows?

Does it matter whether you blast the AC or ride with the wind in your face? Of course it does, but what you should use depends on your driving circumstances.

Reports across the board are very conflicting. Some say AC, some say Windows, others say both, while a few say just suffer. We are part of the group that says either depending on how fast and where you are driving.

The basic principles are that the air conditioning puts a load on the engines and causes a considerable decrease in gas milleage. Rolling the windows down, on the other hand, puts drag on the vehicle, causing it to slow down as well.

Despite the mixed feelings about the internet community, we would say that if you are driving slowly or in stop and go traffic, we recommend you roll down the windows. The air conditioning will place a constant strain on the engine, while the windows down in slow traffic will only produce minimal drag.

On the interstate, your best bet is to leave the AC on. Not only is it annoying for the wind to be rushing in your face at 70 mph, but youll probably save a few cents by using the air conditioning.