What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Windows down or air con on?

My 60 Nissan Micra has air conditioning.
I am told that using this dramatically increases the fuel consumption.
I am also told that having the windows wide open does the same.
What is the truth ?

Asked on 25 July 2012 by Georgegm

Answered by Honest John
At low speeds, in traffic, a/c on increases fuel consumption, so better to run with the a/c off and the windows open.

At higher speeds (above 40mph), windows open create more drag and increase fuel consumption to a greater extend than a/c on, so best to run a/c on and windows closed.
Similar questions
I have a Peugeot 307 on a 56 plate with climate control. After taking the car for a drive the other day I noticed a problem. The climate control made a noise which sounded like air under pressure rushing...
Is 106 degrees celsius too hot for the engine of my 2007 MINI? The warning light has not come on but the bonnet gets very hot.
I lower all windows to halfway when parked on the drive in full sun and high temperatures. Is this really the best thing to do especially where windows/ sunroof have some degree of tint?
Related models
Cute looks. Not very different from the Fiat 500.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer