Does the First Gear and Fourth Gear of Air Conditioning Consume the Same Amount of Fuel?
2 Answers
There is basically little difference in fuel consumption between the first gear and fourth gear or other gears of the car air conditioning, which can be ignored. Here are some tips for using the car air conditioning: 1. Ventilate before turning it on: After the car has been exposed to the sun for a long time, you should first open the four doors and the sunroof to allow the air inside the car to circulate for 3 minutes. This can quickly reduce the temperature inside the car, and the cooling effect of the air conditioning will be better at this time. 2. Use the internal circulation reasonably: The internal circulation blocks the hot air outside, forming a closed space inside the car, allowing the air inside to circulate quickly under the action of the air conditioning to achieve rapid cooling. After the temperature inside the car drops, it is recommended to turn on the external circulation every 30 minutes to purify the air inside the car, and then switch back to the internal circulation after 5 minutes. 3. Turn off the air conditioning in time: Turn off the air conditioning 5 minutes before parking, which not only protects the engine but also saves fuel.
I've repaired many cars before, and the fuel consumption definitely differs between the first and fourth settings of the air conditioning. The AC blower is powered by electricity, and the higher the setting, the faster the blower spins, requiring more electricity. The alternator has to draw extra power from the engine to generate electricity, which means the engine burns more fuel. In an average car, the blower consumes about 50 watts at low settings but can jump to over 300 watts at high settings, translating to an additional 0.1 to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers, especially noticeable in city driving. The compressor also works when the AC is on, but the blower setting directly affects the efficiency of the cooling fan. At the fourth setting, the blower runs at high speed, making it easier for the compressor to stay engaged, leading to higher fuel consumption. I always use the second or third setting—it’s cool enough and saves fuel. Don’t forget that a dirty AC filter increases resistance, making the system consume more electricity and fuel. Regular cleaning can slightly reduce fuel consumption, benefiting both your wallet and the environment in the long run.
