Does Car AC Use Gas?

Does a car AC use gas when operating? Yes, your air conditioning uses gas if you’re driving a gas-powered vehicle in Orland Park. Your alternator draws power from the engine, and this powers the AC system. You need fuel for your engine to operate, and in turn your alternator, and finally your AC system. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your AC on an extremely hot day though. That’s why we have AC systems in the first place. Learn more about how your AC system and fuel consumption cross paths below before learning more service tips from our service center.

How Does Car AC Work? 

An air conditioning system works about the same for all cars, regardless of the OEM. Your AC uses a refrigerant like any other to help transfer heat away while in turn resulting in a cooling effect, ending cold air back into your cabin. AC systems have these components:

• Compressor — This compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, allowing it to flow down a line to the condenser. 
• Condenser — The condenser eliminates the heat from the refrigerant and moves it to the expansion valve or orifice tube. 
• Expansion valve or orifice tube — This changes the refrigerant back to its gaseous state, then it transfers the gas to the receiver/drier or accumulator. 
• Receiver/drier or accumulator — This removes moisture from the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator. 
• Evaporator — The evaporator takes the heat out of the air passing through its core, then sends it into the refrigerant, which results in cold air flowing beyond the evaporator. 

Can Using Car AC Be Fuel-Efficient? 

You’ll experience better fuel efficiency if you use your AC on the highway, because opening your windows will create more drag on your vehicle. Your car will need more fuel to propel forward when more drag affects your vehicle. So if you commute long distances every day or often in hot weather, it’s better to keep the windows up and the AC on.

If you’re driving in hot weather but aren’t often on a highway, you could roll your windows down. But if it’s extremely hot, your AC exists for a reason. Just know that using your AC will consume more fuel. You can always mitigate how much fuel your AC uses by keeping the AC on a lower setting consistently instead of blasting it as soon as you turn your vehicle on. It also helps to roll down the windows at first to help naturally cool your cabin a bit, even if it’s just to help get that first rush of hot air out. 

Other Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency

Your AC uses gas, but here are some other factors to help you keep your mpg ratings more consistent when driving around Mokena:

• Use sun reflectors if you’re parked in the sun (your AC will also thank you)
• Buy the recommended oil for your car 
• Reduce your speed and drive in a higher gear 
• Brake gradually 
• Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned 
• Avoid idling for over 30 seconds 
• Don’t overload your car 

Enjoy more Service Tips from The Garage at Bettenhausen

We’ve looked at the question, “Does car AC use gas?”, but we offer plenty of other tips at The Garage at Bettenhausen. Have you checked your transmission fluid lately? Learn how to check your transmission fluid with us, and don’t be shy to contact our service center to learn more about your AC system!