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I have a Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi late 2002 and wonder if using the Air Con has any effect on MPG. Guys I've spoken to seem to have a mixed view. Anyone know the correct answer ?
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Try it and see, then you will know for sure. Much better than relying on hearsay.
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It will have a small effect;it takes some power to drive the air-con compressor and the smaller the engine,the bigger the effect.I can feel a drop in performance on my 1.8.
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You'll use more fuel with the windows open (changes the aerodynamics of the car) than by using the AC to keep cool.
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In SWMBO's 1.6 Focus, the aircon definitely holds the engine back when, say, taking off from a junction. Unless you have enough revs on, it's as though you are in too high a gear.
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Aircon takes 2-5 horse power.
So that is a proportion of how much horse power the car is using at any given time. To maintain a cruise speed, probably only 20 or something?
Also, the compressor cycles on and off, it doesn't run continuously or the evaporator would become encased in a block of ice.
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You probably lose 1 or 2 mpg, insignificant really, you can regain 1 or 2 mpg by just being slightly more gentle on the gas.
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I have a Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi late 2002 and wonder if using the Air Con has any effect on MPG. Guys I've spoken to seem to have a mixed view. Anyone know the correct answer ?
Anything that consumes power, electrical or otherwise, will increase the amount of fuel used. You don't get owt for nowt.
--
L\'escargot.
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You will use significantly more by carrying a passenger or two but I am sure that does not keep you up at night. Just use the aircon and be comfortable.
Carse.
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