Video: Fuel Economy Decrease with Opened Windows - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Peakster · 12-05-2007, 03:53 AM

It's a timeless question. Is it more fuel efficient to run air conditioning in a car on the highway, of have the windows open at speed? Well I don't have air conditioning in my car, but amazingly the Geo comes standard with opening windows!

See how much of a fuel economy loss occurs with opened windows at 50 miles per hour (I apologize in advance about my hyperness in the video):

Feel free to discuss.

OfficeLinebacker · 04-26-2008, 01:42 AM

LMAO@ the end!

"What the bloody hell?!?!?"

It seems that if you're going to open one window, you might as well open both.

I have a sedan and I would like to test all 4 down.

AndrewJ · 04-26-2008, 02:15 AM

I've noticed no significant difference in coastdown tests with windows up vs. down.

Kinda surprising, but you can't really argue with the numbers...

Arminius · 04-26-2008, 02:30 AM

I'd like to see a repeat of the experiment. Being passed by a few big cars can make a difference and really throw off the results.

Otto · 04-26-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arminius

I'd like to see a repeat of the experiment. Being passed by a few big cars can make a difference and really throw off the results.

Yeah, the turbulent wake and shock wave of those other cars would make some kind of difference. That's why ducks fly in V formation, after all.

Achtung · 04-26-2008, 10:31 PM

Peakster, what are we going to do without your videos when you live without a car?

Arminius · 04-26-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtung

Peakster, what are we going to do without your videos when you live without a car?

He will have to ride a bike inside a cardboard box to simulate it. We will weigh him before and after each experiment.

Achtung · 04-26-2008, 11:06 PM

Hahaha.... good answer. I like it.

Christopher Jordan · 04-26-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arminius

He will have to ride a bike inside a cardboard box

Maybe canvas (right- former "Dragon") or fiberglass/kevlar (left- E-Pod): w/ windows closed.

countersTrike

Peakster · 04-27-2008, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtung

Peakster, what are we going to do without your videos when you live without a car?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arminius

He will have to ride a bike inside a cardboard box to simulate it. We will weigh him before and after each experiment.

Oh, don't worry. I'll thinking of something to do (or build?) without a car this summer

The quietness from me is eerie, isn't it?

EDIT: By the way, the "Acetone Revealed" experiment video has exploded in view counts just this past few week or so on YouTube. Something like 200 hits a day (and usually a comment every day or two). I've thought about finding a ScanGauge again and redoing the experiment with my dad's Intrepid just to tie up some loose ends with the idea.