AC In The Car

[The Cowboy]

Now I know nothing about cars so this may sound stupid to the more knowledgeable, but does using the cars AC increase fuel consumption?

TIA

Cowboy

[ChuckFickens]

Yes..

Though by how much depends largely on the age of the car. modern AC uses far less extra fuel then older ones.

On most modern cars the AC will use less extra fuel then having your windows open

[The Cowboy]

The car is brand new.

[paddiez]

5 to 10% is the average.

[buildersmate]

I remember hiring a car someway back - a little car but one with AC. It was a hot day, I was climbing a hill and switched the AC on. The result was as if the mother-in-law had just leapt into the back seat, weighing it down.

[chas2008]

a lot of it is dependant on engine size, when a/c is turned on with a small engine you can actually feel the drop in power with a larger engine hardly noticable,the engine needs to drive the aircon pump hence the extra effort .
Answer to your question is yes, but it really varies vehicle to vehicle and is quite minimal.

[autobagger]

the answer is no it does not increase fuel consumption you use just a small amount more fuel ?

[ChuckFickens]

lmfao ^

[regsahib]

We are told by motoring "experts" that a 5-10% incrase MAY be experienced.
What should be borne in mind is that NOT using the A/C for long periods can lead to having problems with system which are VERY costly to rectify. It appears that you pays you money and takes your choice,