Does Car AC Use Gas?

There is nothing better than stepping into your car and cranking up the air conditioning on a hot summer day in Ohio. But like other North Canton drivers, you may wonder: Does car AC burn gas? The short answer is yes. Your vehicle’s AC system draws power from the engine, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency. However, running the AC can actually be more efficient in some cases, including when you’re driving on the highway. Learn more in our guide below, and please don’t hesitate to contact our service center with any questions. 

How Does Car AC Work? 

Essentially, the air conditioning system works the same for all cars, regardless of OEM. The AC runs on refrigerant, which is a high-pressure gas. All AC systems use the following components to operate: 

• Compressor — compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, allowing flow down a line to the condenser
• Condenser — eliminates the heat from the refrigerant and moves it to the expansion valve or orifice tube 
• Expansion valve or orifice tube — changes the refrigerant back to its gaseous state, then transfers the gas to the receiver/drier or accumulator 
• Receiver/drier or accumulator — removes moisture from the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator 
• Evaporator — takes the heat out of the air passing through its core, then sends it into the refrigerant, which results in cold air flowing beyond the evaporator 

Can Using Car AC Be Fuel-Efficient? 

When you’re driving at highway speeds, using your car’s AC is actually more efficient than opening the windows. Why? The open windows create more drag, which causes the engine to work harder and use more fuel. So, if you’re cruising down the highway on a hot summer day, you can crank the AC and feel good about it, because you’re reducing aerodynamic drag. 

Other Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency

In addition to using the AC on the highway, there are other ways you can give your car’s fuel economy a little boost:

• Brake gradually 
• Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned 
• Avoid idling for over 30 seconds 
• Don’t overload your car 
• Use sun reflectors if you’re parked in the sun 
• Buy the recommended oil for your car 
• Reduce your speed and drive in a higher gear 

Get More Service Tips From BMW of North Canton

While it is true that your car’s AC does use gas, the impact on fuel economy is usually minor. However, if you have concerns about your vehicle’s air conditioning system or want expert advice, our service team is here to help. Give us a call at (330) 868-2089 or schedule a service appointment online. Our team is here to ensure your AC is running efficiently and keeps you comfortable on every drive around Massillon and Green.