A double barreled question here but how often do you guys run your AC? I run it often on my other car when it was insured but hardly run it on the Max since I put so few clicks on it. With the Max using premium and all does it make a noticable difference in gas consumption if I ran AC on a regular basis? I'd personally would rather feel comfortable than save a few bucks though..

The second question would be that I've been told that infrequent use of the AC system would cause it to fail prematurely. Something about lubricating the system. Have any members here had AC related problems? I've probably only run the AC a dozen times only in the 2 years I've had it (7,500mi).

 

You're supposed to run the a/c 5 mins a month at least even in winter times. To keep seals lubricated.

 

how many hp do we lose by switching on A/C ??

 

If under WOT, no HP is lost due to the fact that it disengages at WOT... I don;t notice much different at < WOT.

I run mine like a beast, 90* temps in the desert .. it's nearly a must .. 10 years strong

 

during the spring/summer I usually drive around town w/ the windows & sunroof open, but when I'm on the freeway I turn on the AC

 

Modern AC systems cycle freon and lubricant even when turned off. This is to insure the moving parts and seals stay lubricated in between normal use.

 

current cars keep the A/C on year round. My friend (ex-Toyota mech, current Subaru) told my toyo keeps the A/C on year round and the driver doesn't know it. He was surprised I could turn mine off. The A/C keeps the air dry to prevent fogging in the winter. In the summer, I run it when it's hot. Otherwise I just open the vents or run the fan.

Supposedly A/C now is so efficient that it uses less gas than driving over 40mph with the windows open. Although MythBusters disproved that with Explorers I think.

My pops (ford, UPS, and AF mech) told me the same, you have to run the A/C once in awhile to keep it working like you stated.

 

I run mines all the time.... I like the a/c air, is more comfortable specially the heat and it keeps the windows from fogging up like nismo said...

 

It's hard to NOT use the a/c...We use it in the summer to keep cool, and in the winter to defog.

 

I use the A/C all the time. Down here, it would be a killer without A/C.

 

that is an interesting bit if in fact its credible.

 

of course it's credible (I wrote it.) but factual, i think i covered that. Many state the drag created by air coming in the windows (obvious poor aero-dynamics) is just as bad or worse than A/C. On the mythbusters, they concluded that to be a myth. Now are the Ford trucks running full blast A/C as effecient as a Maxima running conservately?? probably not.

To me, running 75 deg AUTO is comfortable and I can reduce the fan if I feel it excessive to reduce the strain (gas use). I will not drive around in my black/black leather car 90-100 deg out w/o A/C to save a few MPG. But when it's 60-70 out, sure i'll cut the A/C and possibly save some gas. In the winter the HVAC is designed to run with A/C which obviously works, so I leave it on.

Now what if I tell you running an amp and 2 12"s is killing your MPG.... are you going to remove it all or turn it down? No, b/c if you do have it, you like it and are willing to lose a few MPG to enjoy your music.

 

it doesn't drop much in terms of MPG when you're running a/c, with mine, i say about 2 mpg drop, it's not really noticable. I do run it when it's hot outside. in the colder season, i run it once a month, for that reason to keep the internal parts of the compressor and o-rings lubricated. That's may be a reason why you probably hear horror story or seen a/c failed or stop working, that due to the fact that some people use a/c infrequently or not used at all.

 

i never use my A/C, takes forever to get cold so i just open the windows and my moonroof.

 

How often do you use the defroster Bonka? It's the same compressor as the AC and usage will ensure the seals are lubricated. My air conditioning died on me in July 2003 when I was up in the Okanagan on a hot day. I took it into a shop and had them recharge the system and check for leaks. I suggest you at least use your defroster in the dry weather on occasion and when its warm, like today, don't be afraid to turn your AC on for say 10 minutes.

Given you don't do much highway driving and you've only put 7,500 miles on the car in two years, the effect on performance and fuel economy of running the AC is, in fact, irrelevant!

Edit - up until the problem I had two years ago, I didn't use the AC very often either, but now I try to from time to time for say 10 minutes.

 

yeah, i was only asking, because I also have black on black and there is no way in 80+ weather that you can go with just the windows down. your back will be stuck to the seat by the time you get out. However, I park outside all the time, so my car has to be on 65 to just cool off considerably.

 

The car in question is also black on black.

 

there's no way you can drive in texas without your a/c on, especially during the summer months....

 

I had a meeting today and I had to run A/C. Compared to my other car the A/C on the Max is pretty weak. On MAX setting and RECIRC on it took a good while for the cabin to cool and even then I didn't find it cold enough. Does anyone think the A/C is weaksauce?

I rarely run defrost as I seldom drive the Max out in poor weather.

 

Run it on auto, forget the recirc and crank the fan to high. I had mine on today, which may have been the hottest day of the year, and had the sunroof open and it was plenty cold enough coming down the freeway from White Rock and in Richmond.

You should use your defroster more often at a minimum and don't be afraid to use the AC once in awhile.