Quote:
Originally Posted by EcoCivic
That's a great idea, thanks. Sometimes I shut the AC off while climbing hills to prevent having to downshift, but I never thought of shutting it off during acceleration except at WOT when maximum acceleration is needed. I will try that method and see if I notice an improvement. The effect of the AC on acceleration isn't dramatic like on some cars I have driven, but it's noticeable enough that I could see how eliminating that drag during acceleration could measurably improve efficiency.
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I can feel the car shudder slightly when the AC comes on in her Subaru, so I know it is significant, though I can't measure it. My favorite tactic is the deceleration one: when the engine is warmed up and the rpms are high enough, say 1500+ the ECU will turn off the injectors if I take my foot off the gas. That's when I hit the AC button. The AC load on the drivetrain is literally helping to slow the car for me. The tactic saves the brakes slightly and gives a little free AC.