Does Car AC Use Gas?

If you’re like most Fort Lee-area drivers you are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your vehicle. While keeping up to date with your maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to ensure fuel-efficient performance, some in-car features and systems can affect fuel consumption. Does air conditioning in the car use gas? Yes, but under certain conditions running the AC can be a fuel-efficient option. Learn more about how your car’s air conditioning system works and how it can affect gas mileage in this guide from the experts in the BMW of Tenafly service center. 

Does AC Burn Car Gas? 

Does car AC use gas? Or rather, does AC burn car gas? Yes, the electrical energy in your vehicle is generated by the alternator, which is powered by your gas-driven engine. How does your car’s AC work? Take a closer look at the key components of your car’s AC system below: 

• Compressor – Compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, which flows through the feed line to the condenser. 
• Condenser – Cools the refrigerant and pushes it along to the expansion valve. 
• Expansion valve or orifice tube – Returns the refrigerant to its original gaseous state and moves it to the receiver/drier or accumulator. 
• Receiver/drier or accumulator – Removes moisture from the refrigerant and transfers it to the evaporator. 
• Evaporator – Pulls heat from the air passing through its core and transfers it to the refrigerant, allowing cold air to flow from the evaporator. 

When is it Fuel-Efficient to Use Car AC? 

Does air conditioning in the car use gas? Does AC burn car gas? The air conditioning system in a car draws on electricity produced by the gas-powered engine, so yes the AC does burn gas. However, running the AC when you are driving on Cresskill-area highways is more efficient than driving with the windows open. At high speeds your open windows create aerodynamic drag, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping the windows up and running the AC at highway speeds is actually a more efficient option.

How to Improve Fuel Economy

Some other ways to improve fuel efficiency on the roads in and around Closter include: 

• Refrain from riding the brakes, and when you do brake, apply the pedal gently and gradually
• Reduce your speed and drive in a higher gear 
• Don’t overload the vehicle 
• Make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated, have the proper amount of tread, and that the wheels are balanced and aligned 
• Don’t allow the vehicle to idle for more than 30 seconds 
• Use premium oil and routinely check your oil level
• Keep up to date with all of your scheduled maintenance services

Get Expert Auto Care at BMW of Tenafly! 

Does car AC use gas? While the air conditioning system in your car requires gasoline to operate, running the AC at highway speeds is more fuel efficient than driving with the windows down. You can count on the certified technicians in the BMW of Tenafly service center to help keep your BMW always running efficiently at peak performance levels, and with our rotating service specials and coupons you can save on your next maintenance service in Tenafly. Please feel free to contact our service team if you have any questions.