What is the impact of air conditioning use on fuel economy?

Understand how air conditioning impacts your Ford's fuel economy. Learn when to use A/C with windows up for efficiency and when opening windows might be better to optimize your vehicle's performance.

Vehicle fuel economy is influenced by various factors, including engine load and vehicle aerodynamics. At highway speeds, your vehicle typically achieves greater aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy with the windows closed and the Air Conditioning (A/C) system engaged, compared to driving with windows open and A/C off.

Conversely, at lower speeds, such as during city driving, the aerodynamic drag caused by open windows is less pronounced. In these conditions, operating your vehicle with the windows down and the A/C system disengaged may prove more fuel-efficient.

It is advisable to open your vehicle's windows for the initial few minutes of driving to expel hot air from the cabin. However, prolonged operation of the A/C system with the windows open beyond this initial period is not recommended. This practice can diminish the effectiveness of cabin cooling and adversely impact fuel economy by increasing the load on the A/C components.