Hot summer, cold winter, can you turn on the air conditioner when driving? This is a problem that makes many car owners hesitate. Many people worry that frequent use of air conditioning will significantly increase fuel consumption, but what is the truth? On-board air conditioning systems include components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves. When the air conditioner is turned on, these components work together to complete the cycle of cold or heat, consuming a certain amount of engine power. The specific impact of air conditioning on fuel consumption varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the model, driving speed, outside temperature, etc.
Have you ever heard that the air conditioner burns more oil? Especially when you are stuck in traffic, the air conditioner turns on like it burns money. But what's actually behind this? Let's take a look.
At the end of the day, whether an air conditioner consumes fuel or not depends on what kind of car you drive. If you are driving a car with a small displacement, the air conditioner will indeed have a more obvious impact on fuel consumption. And if it is a large-displacement vehicle or that kind of new energy vehicle, the impact is much smaller. You think, big cars are inherently fuel-intensive, and air conditioning accounts for a relatively small proportion of them. As for new energy vehicles, the battery capacity and management system are relatively advanced, and this additional power consumption is basically a piece of cake.
However, it depends on the environment in which you are driving. For example, if you spend most of your time in the city, the air conditioner will have a greater impact on fuel consumption. Because when driving at low speeds, the engine is not very efficient, coupled with frequent start-stops, the air conditioner is equivalent to adding an additional burden. And if you're running at high speeds, the effect is completely different. The windows have to be closed at high speeds, and the increase in fuel consumption is insignificant compared to the natural wind when the air conditioner is turned on.
So, what about the temperature outside? In the scorching summer, or the cold and windy winter, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car is large, and the air conditioner will work for a while, which will naturally consume more fuel. Especially when the car is parked under the sun all the time, and as soon as you get in the car and turn on the air conditioner, the power consumption in the first few minutes is not small. On the other hand, if the weather is mild, or the car is parked in a shady place, you may not be in a hurry to turn on the air conditioner when you get in the car, which will naturally save more fuel.
Here's another tip that might work for you. Did you know that the temperature setting of the air conditioner is actually quite critical? Some people feel that the cooler the car is, the better, and the air conditioner temperature is adjusted to a lower temperature than the refrigerator. It's actually quite wasteful, and it's quite comfortable to adjust it to 24-26 degrees. In addition, if the temperature is set high, the air conditioning compressor will work more easily and consume less fuel.
In addition to this, the condition of the car is also a big factor. The car is well maintained, the engine and air conditioning system are efficient, and the fuel economy is naturally efficient. On the contrary, if the car is not properly maintained, the cabin air filter is blocked, and the refrigerant is less, this can make the air conditioning system work, and the fuel consumption will go up.
To be honest, for most people, the extra fuel consumption brought by the car air conditioner is actually a trivial matter compared to your daily driving experience. Think about it, if it's as hot as a sauna in the summer, or shivering cold in the winter, if there is no air conditioning, the comfort of driving will definitely be greatly reduced. So, turn on the air conditioner at the right time to make yourself comfortable, and the gas money is actually worth it.
Of course, if you are really concerned about fuel consumption, or want to do something for environmental protection, you can usually pay more attention to some driving habits, such as avoiding sharp acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a smooth drive. These good habits will not only help you save fuel, but they will also make the roads safer, so why not?
In general, the car air conditioner will indeed increase some fuel consumption, but how much this "some" is related to many factors. If you really want to be budget-conscious, you need to consider your model, your driving environment, and your need for comfort. However, we ordinary people, turn on the air conditioner, comfortable, this little oil money is still acceptable. After all, who doesn't want to drive happily on a hot or cold day?
Source: Baidu pear toffee
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