Can you run the ac with the windows down?

[D60]

Hey it is what I do in the WS6. I am ok with it. Tops off, AC on, 11 Second quarter miles. Bald Eagles and stuff even though it was made in Canada Eh!

Same in my Wrangler. I love the summer but sometimes the heat is a bit much. Does the a/c help? A little at times.

For me it's not about looks, it's about wanting to take in as much summer as I can.

I also love to drive on a crisp fall evening with my window down and heater on.

 

[John105]

This question reminds me of a question I posted in Dec. 2006 when I got a brand new car....I asked how many of you drive your car in the rain, I avoid it. Is it OK? I'll never forget one of the responses until my memory goes: "John, it's not a Ferrari. It will be OK to drive your new car in the rain."

I think it's the same with AC on and windows down.

 

[Snagglefoot]

When running AC with the windows up, you still have to option of bringing in fresh air or re-cycling the cabin air. Recycling the cabin air is more efficient. Having the AC set to recycling, the windows open would be the way to go if you really wanted those windows down.

I always lower the windows when I get into a hot car and turn on the AC. I also open the sun roof with my Suburban. Once things cool down I usually close them.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

When running AC with the windows up, you still have the option of bringing in fresh air or re-cycling the cabin air. Recycling the cabin air is more efficient. Having the AC set to recycling, the windows open would be the way to go if you really wanted those windows down.

I always lower the windows when I get into a hot car and turn on the AC. I also open the sun roof with my Suburban. Once things cool down I usually close them.

I can not get over how many folks I have run across , complained to me they kept smelling exhaust fumes in their cabins over the years. They had no idea this is how the auto A/C systems are set up. I do the same when getting into a scorching hot car. Press the option on the key fob that opens all. It was funny how long we had one car that we did not even know about that option. Live & learn...

 

[KrisZ]

In this country, yes you can.

 

[burbguy82]

Does it hurt anything?

Yes, chance of financial harm

Years ago, "Mythbusters" did a segment of this in regards to fuel mileage. Their conclusion was that at highway speed, MPG was less with the windows down than with the air running. At low speed, windows down, won the MPG battle. I think "Top Gear" did a similar segment.

when I worked in the oilfield in Wyoming, we would run the heat on full blast and crack the window a bit, one to allow smoke out of the cab of course, but also helped with drying the air out in the cab.

Funny question though.

 

[4WD]

Gretta says, "How dahre you!"

FIFY

 

[paulo57509]

A friend at one of my previous jobs drove a Boxster and ran the AC with the top down.

"Spence, why do you do that?"
"Why not?"

Good times, both at work and socially.

 

[Patman]

Yes, chance of financial harm

Years ago, "Mythbusters" did a segment of this in regards to fuel mileage. Their conclusion was that at highway speed, MPG was less with the windows down than with the air running. At low speed, windows down, won the MPG battle. I think "Top Gear" did a similar segment.

That might have been the case with the cars they were using in their testing but it’s definitely not the case with my Civic. I still get significantly better MPG with the windows open and AC off, compared to windows closed and AC on. It’s at least 5 MPG better!

 

[burbguy82]

That might have been the case with the cars they were using in their testing but it’s definitely not the case with my Civic. I still get significantly better MPG with the windows open and AC off, compared to windows closed and AC on. It’s at least 5 MPG better!

Even at 70 mph? Maybe it has to do with the power level on the engine. I would assume that an ac compressor use the same on you civic as the compressor in my truck, or at least close. Proportionally to the power of the engine, perhaps the percentage used toward ac compressor is more? Interesting

I like window down driving, wife does not=I cant like it all that much.

Does your Civic manual warn against using the AC with the windows down?

 

[Method]

It is clearly against 'the rules'.

 

[Mainia]

I like driving with the windows down. If it is humid out Hyundai chooses to run the a/c unit even if don’t have it on. If I remember right it goes to the front windshield. They must think it is a liability issue if the window condensates I guess. The only way ito stop this is to completely turn off the ventilation system. Which makes good sense since if the air is not on the vents pump out outside air temp plus 10 -20+ degs.

 

[Patman]

Even at 70 mph?

In my case the route that I drive the most has me on roads where I’m mostly doing 50-60 mph, so maybe it would be different if I was doing 70+.