Can you run the ac with the windows down?

The compressor will stay in constant load while on. Whether that is an issue or not depends on the duty cycle of the compressor which I don't know? It would certainly be a long term problem if it is one.
 
When you think you look “special” in your expensive convertible with the top down….
and it’s a warm day. Top down / AC on MAX!
Because it's too hot to have the windows down, but the cool 50 degree out coming out the vents makes it bearable in stop and go traffic.
 
I run the a/c with the windows down, a lot of the time, when driving around town. The a/c system keeps on working, with no problems.

When I had my SL550, I would drive home from work with the top down and the a/c or heater running. And contrary to the opinion of others, it had nothing to do with looking "special".
 
Will void most new car warranties.
You've actually seen a clause in car warranties that voids the warranty if the a/c is ran with the windows down?

Does it also void the a/c warranty if you live in Arizona or Las Vegas, or California desert community, where the a/c might run on max almost continually for a few weeks each year?
 
I often do this... for a few miles, while waiting for the duct work to cool off and to get cold air coming out.

But otherwise, windows go up and recirculate goes on. Then the a/c (which is burning gas, above and beyond what is needed to move the car) can do its job. Yeah you can drive around, windows down and a/c on, but it's kinda just a waste of gas.

Now driving with windows down and heat on (spring/fall or even winter), no cost, most engines have plenty of heat to spare. Although in an EV that might be the worst thing to do!
 
I often do this... for a few miles, while waiting for the duct work to cool off and to get cold air coming out.

But otherwise, windows go up and recirculate goes on. Then the a/c (which is burning gas, above and beyond what is needed to move the car) can do its job. Yeah you can drive around, windows down and a/c on, but it's kinda just a waste of gas.

Now driving with windows down and heat on (spring/fall or even winter), no cost, most engines have plenty of heat to spare. Although in an EV that might be the worst thing to do!

I do this too, for maybe 200 yards, after that the air coming out of the vents is definitely cold and sometimes the hvac fan has already slowed down.
 
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