How much does using car air conditioning in summer increase fuel consumption?
1 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the car air conditioning system consumes about 20% of the engine's power. This means for a vehicle with an average fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 kilometers, using air conditioning in summer would increase fuel consumption by approximately 2 liters. The exact value can be calculated based on the specific vehicle's engine fuel consumption. Here are some precautions for using car air conditioning: 1. Large temperature differences may cause colds: The optimal temperature inside the car should be about 5 degrees Celsius lower than the outside temperature. For example, if the outside temperature is 35 degrees, the air conditioning should ideally be set to around 30 degrees. Even if set to 18 or 20 degrees, the actual cooling capacity of the air conditioning may not reach that level. Moreover, significant temperature differences can cause discomfort to passengers due to sudden changes between hot and cold, potentially leading to colds or fever. 2. Alternate between recirculation and fresh air modes: Some drivers use the recirculation mode for extended periods to enhance cooling or heating efficiency. In this mode, the cabin becomes a sealed space without natural air exchange with the outside, maximizing the air conditioning's effect. However, prolonged use is not advisable. It's essential to switch between recirculation and fresh air modes to prevent dizziness or chest tightness among passengers, which could lead to dangerous situations.