Saving Fuel by Driving with Windows Open?…Air Conditioning Is Better at High Speeds

Fuel Efficiency Drops 1% When Carrying 10kg Load in Car
Fuel Should Be Filled 70~80% for Optimal Efficiency

"Using the car air conditioner consumes more fuel." With this belief, some drivers avoid turning on the air conditioner even in the peak of summer, opting to drive with the windows down to save every penny on fuel. However, it has been found that the difference in fuel efficiency is minimal.

According to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance on the 2nd, when driving with the air conditioner on, a device called the compressor cools the air. Since the compressor operates using the engine's power, it consumes more fuel. For this reason, some drivers choose to drive with the windows down instead of using the air conditioner. On the other hand, some drivers believe that driving with the windows down increases wind resistance, which negatively affects fuel efficiency.

[Image source=Samsung Fire]

In response, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance conducted an experiment under the same conditions. The results showed that at low speeds, it is better to drive with the windows down, while at high speeds, it is more efficient to drive with the air conditioner on. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance stated that although additional differences in fuel efficiency may occur depending on driving speed and environment, the differences are minimal, making it difficult to say which method is more fuel-efficient. However, they recommended closing the windows and using the air conditioner in areas with severe air pollution.

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance explained, "Since the air on the road contains fine dust and severe air pollution, it is better for the driver's health and the car's interior air quality to drive with the windows closed and the air conditioner on," adding, "Turning on the internal circulation mode helps circulate cool air inside, which is even more beneficial."

[Image source=Samsung Fire]

It has also been partially confirmed that using 'cruise control' helps improve fuel efficiency. This feature allows the vehicle to maintain a constant speed without pressing the accelerator pedal, reducing pedal use and preventing sudden acceleration and braking, which contributes to better fuel economy. Cruise control is safe and effective when used on smooth roads, but there are certain situations where its use should be avoided.

Situations where cruise control should not be used include steep uphill and downhill slopes, congested roads, sharp curves, areas near highway interchanges or toll gates, slippery roads due to snow, rain, or ice, roads with strong winds, and conditions with poor visibility such as fog.

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance recommends reducing the load in the car as the easiest way to improve fuel efficiency. Carrying an additional 10 kg in the car reduces fuel efficiency by 1%, but conversely, reducing the load by 10 kg and driving 100 km can save 0.16 liters of fuel. Also, filling the fuel tank completely affects the overall vehicle weight, so it is more efficient to fill the tank to about 70-80% when driving.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.