March 3, 2011
Do you think buying custom window shades for my car will help me save money on fuel?
I plan on spending about $45 on this sun shade: http://store.eclipsesunshades.net and another $40 on a rear sunshade. I live in the San Fernando Valley (near LA) and it gets reallllllly hot. Plus I have black interior in my car. No covered parking at work. And it takes so long to cool my car once that I have to have my AC blasting pretty much the whole way home, like 45mins. Doesn’t AC burn fuel? Would I save in the long run if I try to keep my car cool by using these shades? Thanks!!!
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Filed under Gas Conservation FAQ by on Mar 3rd, 2011. Comment. 
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Comments on Do you think buying custom window shades for my car will help me save money on fuel?
No, you won’t save any fuel. Period. When you get in, open the windows for 5 min or so to exhaust the hottest air, roll ‘em up and run the a/c.
Yes, AC does burn more fuel, so you might save a little bit. They really do help keep the temperature in your car at a lower level. I had one at one point that I just kept in the windshield of my Blazer when I knew it was going to be parked for a period of time and the interior was always cooler than when I forgot to put it up. But, I wouldn’t buy one of those. $45 is too much. Go look at a retail store and you can find one much cheaper. They might take up more space, but if you’re worried that much about space then go for the one that will cost you around $50. It is your money after all.
The a/c causes a drag on the engine making it to work harder and thereby uses more fuel compared to non a/c. The use of after market devices like shades and tints help a little to keep the interior cooler than it otherwise would be. Maybe you wanna consider changing the interior of the car to a lighter colour or even the exterior to white cause black can make for extreme absorption of heat. You must understand that these cosmetic changes help keep the car cooler and makes the a/c more efficient which should be a direct plus for you as well.
I think it would only help if it allowed you to not use the A/C at all. I don’t think the extra gas usage depends on whether you have the A/C on full blast or low; the compressor is either on or it isn’t.
The itty bitty savings will not even be noticed, open your windows for 5 minutes before you get in and then set your ac normally. Shades will cool the interior, but do it for comfort, not to save money.