Does Using Air Conditioning in the Car During Summer Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Fuel consumption will increase by approximately 20%, though there may be some variation between different vehicle models. Here are some suggestions for using air conditioning during summer: 1. Although using air conditioning in summer inevitably increases fuel consumption, car owners can master better air conditioning usage methods to reduce its impact on vehicle fuel consumption. 2. If the vehicle has been parked under the sun and exposed to prolonged sunlight, it is advisable to open the windows for ventilation before turning on the air conditioning to expel some of the hot air inside the car.
To be honest, I've been driving for over a decade, and using AC in summer definitely increases fuel consumption. Specifically, fuel consumption rises by 10% to 20%, which is no small amount—especially noticeable in city traffic jams or on extremely hot days. The reason is simple: the AC compressor relies on the engine to operate, and extra workload naturally means higher fuel consumption. I remember last July during a long-distance trip—with the AC on for two hours, the fuel gauge dropped by one and a half bars, whereas without AC, it saved much more. To save some fuel, I usually roll down the windows for ventilation for five minutes before turning on the AC, and I set the temperature not too low, around 25°C. This way, it cools effectively without overburdening the engine. I also recommend regular checks on the AC system—clean filters improve efficiency, which actually reduces fuel consumption. Though it uses more fuel, sitting in a sweltering car for too long in summer can easily lead to heatstroke. Health is far more important than fuel costs.
