Conserving Gas In My Car – What’s Better? Windows Down W/ No Air, Or Air & Windows Up To Save Aerodynamics?

If your car is relatively new, say 1990 and newer, it really doesn’t matter much either way, The cars are better aerodynamically with the windows up (less drag). having the ac on with the windows up puts about the same load on the engine as the decrease in aerodynamics do with the windows down. So it really comes down to whether you want a noisy and windy ride or a quiet calm drive…:)

AC doesn’t tap that much from a car any more. The extra drag from windows down probably would be the worst case, and besides, you would look windblown by the time that you got there.

I seen a study on TV and the results were with the windows up and the air on.

Best would be windows up, A/C off, vents open. But the savings would be slight at best.

This comparison was demonstrated on Myth Busters TV. their results was it is more economical to keep windows up with air on. I agree due to the aerodynamics. It does matter what type of vehicle you are driving and your driving habits.
The demonstration was made in Two Identical Ford Expeditions, large SUV’s. The results were, there is not a
great difference, but there is a little difference.
At gas prices the way they are. Best of luck.

If you are stuck in traffic (or at a traffic light) and not moving, the aerodynamics are irrelevant, so turn off the air conditioner and open the windows. If you are going 55 mph or faster, it is better with the windows closed and the air conditioner on, because of aerodynamics.

I drove my car (2007 mazda 3) for a week with windows up and air conditioner…Then drove for a week with windows up no air conditioner…then drove for a week with windows down no air conditioner. Best gas mileage was windows up no air…31 MPG average. Windows down no air was average 27 MPG, windows up air was 24 MPG.
I would advise you do your own research though. Fill your tank up, and start driving. Find out how many miles it takes you to go on that tank, and if you have a 10 gallon tank and you go 200 miles, you get 20 miles to the gallon…Sub in your numbers, and you will find out what your best mileage is. Some cars are better designed aerodynamically than others, so the air might be a better idea if you have a larger truck or SUV, even larger car, than windows down no air.

It depends on how fast you’re going (the higher the speed, the bigger the aerodynamic drag will be with the windows open).
The reality is, the difference isn’t enough in any case to justify being uncomfortable, so just do whichever you’d like given the weather.

I’m a comfort creature. There is diddly difference in the real world. Stop and go , zoom down the freeway, whatever. Use the air and relax. Those who don’t agree have never been thru a Tropical Southern Summer.

depends on the speed you are going and the size/ coeffiecent of drag you car has. fast and a/c on is best. slow and windows open is best.
mythbusters did a test on this, get the dvd and watch it