A/C? (instantaneous mpg drops between 4 and 6 mpg with AC on)

[larrybuck]

I'm not trying to be a smartbutt, but when it gets hot enough here for A/C which is rare;
I just move to motorcycles.

I know that may not be too practical back east, as I was in NC for 11 years, and those summer thunderstorms COULD make riding instead of driving very impractical.

To who it may apply: Have your drought situations allowed you more carefree weather wise motorcycle riding than other years, or is there still much dry lightning potential?

[Mustang Dave]

I haven't ever needed A/C in my part of Arizona. Heater's nice in the Winter, though.

[YukonCornelius]

My CTS-V has an awesome compressor, very quiet and low load. At cruise I lose nothing on my readout or 1mpg. I don't feel it kick on. But it will freeze you out.

[thomason2wheels]

I've noticed about 2 to 3 mpg difference with ac on vs windows down on the wagon, but i almost never drive over 60 mph either, mostly 50 to 55. The wrx does somewhat better, only see about 1 to 2mpg difference under the same conditions. On the bike, no difference at all....hehe

[Mustang Dave]

Just testing while coasting today, my A/C compressor takes about .05 GPH @ idle according to my UltraGauge. Probably a bit more, since I haven't calibrated my UG for fuel consumption yet.

[SpeedyCorky]

i'm not at all surprised by the findings; gotta spin that compressor, which takes energy/fuel. you might not notice the difference in the increase in throttle you need to apply to maintain the same speed - but there is an increase.