CNN - Hypermiling: Getting 50mpg Out Of Your Car

[dieselboy77]

what a dumb ass, buy a manual

[youspic]

what website is that? cleanmpg.com?

[geonerd]

@youspic Do yourself a favor and try the much more reasonable w3*gassavers*org instead. Cleanmpg is inhabited by frothing OCD nutcases. Unless you are willing to slavishly chug the gallon of Koolaid they offer and bow to their 'wisdom,' they will bash you for not being a true believer.

[youspic]

@geonerd ill check it out. i am new to the hypermiling trend and have been very careful with my driving since my last fillup. gas justs costs too much money up here in canada

[krispage206]

I drive a small peugeot 206 manual diesel and i get 65+ UK MPG (56 US MPG) in towns and 80+ (70 US MPG) on highway/motorway, so i just dont get why americans dont just drive a diesel or even a manual gas car. You get 5-15% ish better fuel economy driving a manual and another 10-20% driving a diesel. :/

[JETZcorp]

@krispage206 The reason nobody buys a diesel is because in the US, most diesels are 3/4-ton pickups, or bigger. A 3/4-ton pickup, in spite of the name, is actually more like a 3-ton vehicle. Small, efficient diesels just aren't sold from most makes, and in the bigger spaces of the US, I have the feeling they'd feel under-powered. As for manual vs auto, most people really care more about the refined driving than their mileage, and automatics are amazingly good at wafting along smoothly.

[miniimoto95]

@krispage206 way to rub it in, asshole!

i want a quattro TDI a3 but audi refuses to sell them in the US

automatics just suck for everything

[popovicvl]

buy modern euro diesel car, and put the pedal down

[FastC30]

@popovicvl Your right. The fact is there are numerous cars over seas that get over 60 mpg, more than this guy could ever squeeze out of his Accord. His time would be better spent petitioning automakers to bring these efficient cars to the US.

[adamc260]

I thought it was dangerous to switch your engine off whilst driving... and coasting loses engine braking which I also thought was dangerous =/. Not just that but because the car is idling it has to use more fuel to stop it from stalling as aposed to leaving it in gear? Could be wrong though

[Rezxer]

Mr. Gerdes is a talented man.

Unfortunately, at his current point, I would call him more of an 'MPG enthusiast' than someone trying to save fuel costs. Really, I don't think much of people's overemphasis on car safety normally, but the idea of making 25MPH turns at 52MPH or shutting off the engine mid-drive on the hwy while drafting behind a truck sounds insane.

His techniques are definitely worth learning, but I wouldn't even attempt some of it. I'll leave it to the experts.

[SvenDansk7]

@Rezxer Engine off coasting and taking fast turns really isn't bad. You just need to know what you're doing and plan ahead. Take an autocross course and you'll have no qualms about using your tires' full potential.

[gothicman02]

There are issues with this as others have stated, such as destroying your transmission, wearing out your tires much quicker due to hard turning, as well as messing up your alignment/suspension. It doesn't save you money if you continually have to put money into your car due to maintenance. I do however coast, use cruise control, don't punch it when taking off, and will coast down to a slower speed when I know I will have to turn. This nets me around 35-36 mpg average with in my 2001 cavalier

[14sJakeB190]

I thought shutting off the engine and starting it back up used more gas than just not turning it off?

[rodneystar]

@14sJakeB190 no. coasting in neutral uses more gass than when coasting in gear. but shutting off the engine uses zero fuel. problem is the beating the transmission (especially the synchro clutch rings) takes when you bump start it back up again. it's not worth saving a few dollars while destroying your transmission.

[jonatbaylor]

@rodneystar

how is it that coastin in neutral uses more gas? the engine is running at lower rpm's... ?

[suprahmed]

@jonatbaylor I HEAR that when you coast in drive, fuel is not being injected into the engine, but the rotation of the drive tires keeps the engine running. When you coat in neutral, it is like idling and fuel is being injected. Switching from N to D while moving at a good speed isn't good for the tranny either.

[hitachi088]

@suprahmed with an automatic car and even a manual, your engine is always sucking gas even when you are in neutral. the engine is running, so it still running. the computer in your car doesnt care if you are going down hill, he keep the engine burning gaz cause you might need it later.

[martin128]

@hitachi088 Yes it does matter. When you have engine with injection, then there is no fuel needed to drive downhill. This is because car's computer does the all the computing whether to give gas or not. (this applies to the manual and engines with injection only,)

[kcaz94]

@14sJakeB190 naa thats only with diesel

[SvenDansk7]

@14sJakeB190 Not if it's warmed up.

[LTF85199]

Wow, why didn't just get a Prius ?

[azfryguy]

This guy is an idiot. For starters pushing you vechile is such a pain in the ass and you look fucking stupid. Taking turns with out braking! It does not matter how many miles he gets it wont add up when he gets into a wreck. So he gets 50 MPG but at what cost? Pushing his car and driving like a 90 year old woman and increasing the odds of wrecking? Sorry dude I live in AZ and drive a Suburban I am not pushing my SUV iwhen it is 117 out.

[LTF85199]

@azfryguy You do have some goods points but commuting with a Suburban is just as ridiculous.

[azfryguy]

@LTF85199 When 6'5 and 375lbs I cant find much that is in my price range that I can fit into.

[LTF85199]

@azfryguy I see, there are still large sedans made for people like you.. or how about crossovers? will get you huge savings on gas and wastage.. (GMC Terrain, equinox, traverse etc..)

[azfryguy]

@LTF85199 I just turned 18 and my price range was only 1500

[AGeekWithAShotgun]

@azfryguy

buy a used Jeep Cherokee or something like that.

I got a friend that is 6'3 and 315lb and he drives in a puny Plymouth Neon

[azfryguy]

@AGeekWithAShotgun Well my brother and dad both drive Burbans and professional mechanics and are very good when working on burbans

[markkjay]

right. because shutting off a car with an auto while it's moving and still in drive won't do anything to it.

[way2easy2love]

this guy will need a starter/trans in no time

[adamcoe]

start by getting a manual transmission, and ideally a 4 cyl. engine instead of a V6, there's tons of mileage right there...make it a turbo diesel and you're already ahead. this dumbass roll-my-car-to-start-it business is ridiculous and pointless, especially as he shows us later in the clip, he turns it off at long red lights...why aren't you getting out to push start it there, too? also, all the money you save in gas, you'll end up spending on a starter motor or tranny work or suspension. think.

[chrlsmendoza]

this is a bunch a bull. you cannot turn off the engine while driving cause your brake wont work., its dangerous, just shift to neutral , wont affect the brake.. save you gas specially on down hill road..

[northroad1]

@chrlsmendoza I drive the same 4cyl auto accord as the video. I shut my engine off regularly when coming to stoplights or downhill. My brake is always able to get me easily stopped before it becomes too hard to press. If your engine is on, you're using gas, period. I don't go to this guy's extremes, and as such I only get about 37mpg city.

[beefheart22]

Some of the ideas from hypermiling like keeping constant speed, smooth braking, acceleration and all that are not bad suggestions. But taking corners without braking, cutting the engine, drafting trucks and driving slower than the posted limit is not only annoying, but reckless and dangerous.  Save gas, but use common sense.

[bisexualbuffthug]

If your gonna kill your engine while on the highway at least slide yo ass out the way so others can get to work on time!!!

[shenanigan87]

I can get over 70mpg without going too fast around corners, without doing dangerous shit like turning my engine off, or pushing my car instead of just using it. A four cylinder turbodiesel and a manual gearbox, all you need.

[michaelatw86]

Turns off the engine?? That cuts your power brake and power steering; that's stupid and dangerous.

[schweizergoth]

Just go with an electric car. in a few years they will all be here. It's much easier.

[boxerSubaru]

here in my fuckin country the gas price is $ 6.4 per gallon, and i earn only $ 200.... and plus in my town you can't drive more than 20 mph coz you have to stop every 200 feet and all the streets are single laned, if you drive slow you're going to jam all the traffic ..i don't have time to calculate the gas mileage of my car......

[bluejay02920]

@boxerSubaru what country are you in?

[boxerSubaru]

@bluejay02920 Republic of Macedonia, above Greece

[vothry]

What's his website?

[Italian4Lyfe04]

I really hope this weirdo guy isn't a police officer! Can you imagine him in a high-speed chase?

[tinleo333]

just get a prius

[mrbooziebrews]

Did you know that if you add 2 cups of sugar to your oil it will improve your gas milage by 100% ?? This is because most japanese and american cars have a faulty diabetic converter after being driven only 700 miles on low octane fuel. This trick works every time and is gaurenteed to make the engine seize, to have this problem, follow the directions !!

[aipo86t]

I was trying to figure out why this aggravated me so much. Then I realized it is the poverty mentality that just aggravates me so much. There are too many of these self-righteous controlling pukes. Drive your car live your life, enjoy. OK I’ll calm down now. If it makes him happy have fun. Just don’t force everybody to be the same.

[eurohim]

@aipo86t "OK I’ll calm down now. If it makes him happy have fun. Just don’t force everybody to be the same." Yeah, forcing people to do the same is the government's job.

[tyau1234]

Popping an automatic transmission into drive from neutral to start the engine is covered under warranty, as long as Honda hasn't watched this news clip!

[MandalayWind]

It is funny to hear a growling motor flying by and a red light just ahead. They must get there in order to stop. ?????? This one still gets me.

[mikekegger]

@MandalayWind I know what you mean. Where I live there's a oneway street with 7 stop lights in a row, they are timed so you hit all green lights if you go 50 KM/H. But there is always somebody who flys past doing 60 or 70 and has to hit the brakes at every light as I go past them doing 50.

[mikekegger]

Like everyone else says, sure you'll save gas but your going to end up spending that money on a new transmission, new starter, wheel bearings, control rods, etc. The best thing is to meet somewhere between this guy and your average driver.

[tuugfo]

this guy just looks like a damn goon, he is taking this WAYYYYY too seriously what a lame ass!!!!!!!!!

[awesomeness2571]

just get a prius....

it already gets 50 mpg on average without having to be a hypermiler...

it's stupid to just fuck up your car just trying sooooo hard to get good gas mileages...

just save on money by getting a car that already saves soooo much fuel...

hahaha

[scottkan357975343]

@awesomeness2571 and if everyone bought a prius we would lower our dependence of foreign oil and prices would drop substantially so that everyone wouldn't mind buying an suv because gas would be so cheap and then the reliability on foreign oil goes up again and the process repeats itself.

[awesomeness2571]

@scottkan357975343 true....

haha

i guess everything in the world is a circle...

[AZCAjeeper]

My Ram gets 12mpg...hwy :) Thanks for letting me use the gas you save!

[arronth]

The tips they should give on these videos are 1. Buy a manual car 2. make sure it has a diesel engine and 3. read the road ahead. i.e. don't step on the gas just to jump straight on the brakes. I dont mean any offence by this but it seems to me, coming from the UK that all Americans drive big wasteful V6, automatic transmission cars while in Europe we all drive small, 4 cylinder, manual cars...

[XxKevin18xX]

Turns off his car? Doesn't that lock up the steering? This asshole is a huge hazard on the road. If he has to get out of the way of anything, he has to first turn his car back on.

[livin4lax09]

@XxKevin18xX no, it won't lock up the steering, you'll just have to work harder to steer the car. Shut off your car sometime on a downhill (with no cars around, going slowly) and you'll see.

[ElmoInIraq]

you could do that....

i just bought a prius..

[ganondufus]

If he really wants to save money, he should take the bus.

[TheDeathtwinkie]

I have a 2010 Insight EX, EPA on it is 41/43 and I get between 61-63mpg accelerating slower, coasting to stops, not breaking around turns if i don't have to, drafting behind big rigs (but not retardedly close). I also generally stay 5mph lower than the speed limit, 55 in a 60, 60 in 65 etc.

Now two reasons why I stay 40-50ft behind big rigs, obviously the gas part of it, but also because he's already going slower, so if people need to pass, me and the rig are only taking 1 lane instead of two

[inurik]

if you want to save gas then get a moped Bitch!

[MikaOwns]

neutral drop that bitch

[TallLittleElf]

I have a '68 Mercury Cougar with a performance built 302 and a 3-speed manual pushing about 20 mpg. This is a carbureted 4 barrel motor with a 302 from 1969. I also know a guy with a 460 big block in his lifted Ford Bronco (also performance built) pushing 22 mpg. Dont assume older vehicles cant get good gas mileage. Hell, thats better than the SUV they show at the end.

[b18c5integra]

his starter goin be fuckkked

[nervusboy]

SURE U WILL SAVE A LITTLE GAS.....BUT I GOTTA BELIEVE THAT RE-STARTING YOUR CAR REPEATEDLY WILL RUIN YOUR STARTER MOTOR. WHICH WILL COST WAY MORE THAN THE LITTLE BIT OF GAS U MIGHT SAVE. THINK ABOUT IT

[inurik]

This guy in the video is retarded. If he want a better mileage, then he should get a Pruis. Even the most leadfooted guys will get 45MPG out of it, without pushing their cars or driving really slow. If he wants to decrease his dependency on foreign oil, then he should take the bus or buy a moped for Gods sake. Get this idiot off the Roads ASAP!

[hercules71185]

@inurik leadfooted no. Top gear proved the BMW m3 got better mileage when they did the same speed around the track.. lol. Also Cost of batteries are more than the price of gas when the go out in 6 years. So how about a VW polo? 70+ MPG no electric

[inurik]

@hercules71185

45 MPG with heavy foot is reported by actual owners. Top gear test: nobody drives like that on public road, unless it's on autobahn. Yeah I don't like Pruises but they seem to hold their value well and 6 year battery replacement interval is mostly a myth. TTons of 200k Pruises still running good, so Toyota did their usual boring but reliable thing on that car. VW POLO- not available in US, but POLO has a start/stop (mild hybrid)function that helps it high MPG numbers/

[hercules71185]

@inurik it's not a myth that's why the tesla will fail. Lithium ion batteries are expensive and die. Just like a laptop battery. They were hoping that during the 6-8 years is takes to kill the batteries they would be mass produced enough to reduce the cost. Try to call them and ask for a battery quote. They wouldn't give one to my professor nor anyone who called any store or engineer in the country...

[inurik]

@hercules71185 Yes, the Lithium Ion batteries are the most dangerous and expensive batteries. Tesla failed because the company was mismanaged and the cars were too expensive to buy. @100k a unit they only sold 1000 of them, so that puts it to toys for the rich category, just like Lambo or Ferrari. Pure electric cars will never be a mass success, because of the range and recharge time. Priuses became popular because it was affordable and practical. Batteries covered for 8y/100k, $3k repl.cost

[StevoElsupremo]

Yeah I drive a cobalt SS and I drive it like a lead footed bastard and I still get 32MPG and a 250HP engine, so suck on that Toyoduh...

[geonerd]

PUSHING the freaking car? This poor crazy bastard is suffering out-of-control OCD.

That's a shame, because some of what he's doing (and babbling about) DOES make sense, and IS real-world practical. People see the insane behavior and reject all he says as the ravings of a crazy person.

[hercules71185]

@geonerd It makes sense? Dude do you not realize the cost of one accident caused by pulling out in front of someone, or turning a corner fast and hitting someone.. Or fucking up your starter or injectors. Is way more than the gas he saves.

[geonerd]

@hercules71185

I said _some_ of what he does. Anticipating lights and traffic, and slowing down when safe, DO work.

Thrashing the starter, taking corners at stupid speeds, and much of the rest ARE idiotic and counterproductive.

[MrDrided]

The #1 tip in saving gas is really a no shit type of thing, which is "drive less".

I drive about 170 miles to sometimes 300 miles a week, but I save gas just by going easy on the throttle and keeping the windows up during highway cruising. Please don't endanger others like that idiot in the video.

[ragonamuffin]

All that milage saved is going to add up on the engine wear every time he turns off his car at a stop light. In the land of electric vehicles, you can haul ass without worrying about gas milage.

[eurohim]

@ragonamuffin Well, there's always miles per kilowatt.

[dmancornell]

ban this shithead from the roads.  what a fucking hazard.

[codrinseth15]

Killing the engine also kills the servo pomp for the power steering and ..brakes. A Golf diesel will also get 50 mpg anytime of the day without risking your life like this guy.

[speedline37]

* just switching to neutral and letting your vehicle coast (with engine on) gives better mpg. Idle fuel consumption for a big straight four engine would be around 1,5 liter/ hour with a/c on.

* automatics have built in shock dampening due to their fluid clutch. So the techniques displayed are not so harmfull as is suggested in the comments below

[speedline37]

* automatic transmissions have to build oil pressure top operate but reach desired oil pressure level even before the engine is up to idle. Coasting with a shut off engine is not as harmfull to the transmission as one might suspect. If clutch packs within the transmission do not have oil pressure only the differential and secondary (output) shaft are driven by the wheels. These are lubricated properly through oil spray. The differential runs through the automatic transmission fluid.

[speedline37]

* The load on the starter is much less if the engine is on operating temperature. Bosch starters for example are rated for 150-175.000 cold engine starts.

* shutting engine down after 7 seconds saves gas (modern fuel injected engine)

* higher tire pressure or even max sidewall pressure, decreases rolling resistance and therefore increases gas mileage. And it is safe but has an impact on comfort or NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

[speedline37]

* manual transmissions rely on spray oil from the gears for lubrication

* if I observed correctly the hypermiling community in general lets their engine warm up because it operates more efficient if at operating temperature. If shut down at operating temperature the engine is properly lubricated. With a synthetic engine oil starting will result in oil pressure before reaching idle.

[ji553r]

wait doesnt start up take quite a bit of gas so then if he killed it at every stop only 2 turn it back on within 10 sec that wuld waste more than just keeping it on in nuetral

[yoshmon]

AutoFascist

[yoshmon]

Fuck liberals

[2006DURAMAX]

Because saving money on gas for a new transmission makes total sense.

If he wants better MGP, should have got a manuel, it's a bit more efficiency than an auto because it doesn't have that slight slip of the torque convertor.

His honda is an auto 2:19

[sodapop503]

Seriously. also it takes a few seconds for your oil to fully begin circulating and have a nice coat on everything. So letting it idle for 3 - 5 seconds before moving causes much less wear and tear. same probably goes for the Trans. and your standard automatics are for pussies.

[OBCblackhawk]

@2006DURAMAX yeah for being this anal about saving gas he should have a manual and not a wuss-o-matic, besides real men don't drive automatics.

[Prototypexl]

@2006DURAMAX But he goes from neutral to drive...nothing is getting hurt in the process.

[karkraz]

@2006DURAMAX Manual. Manuel is a Mexican.

[junior714hb]

@2006DURAMAX That is only true for older model cars which have heavier engines than today.

[hitachi088]

@2006DURAMAX he might also get another timming chain after 2years too.

[MasterMinded1]

don't do it

[jojo4rmdabronx]

this is retarded. save a little money on gas and spend thousands on replacing trannys, and starters.

Not to mention you'll look like an idiot

[biffnacid]

yea i have no problem with saving gas, espcially and 17 years old now but this is overkill, he can get a hernia pushing that car and also just quick staring and real quick throwing it into gear isnt to good for your car,

[torqueman6]

I suggest some of you people get educated on this. Hybrid autos routinely turn off the engine below certain speeds and turn it back on. It does not shorten the life of the starter significantly. Shifting a auto transmission into neutral does no more harm than a manual. Wane once got 180mpg during a competition and beat the record for a Prius by getting over 1300 miles out of a tank of gas.

As for safety aggressive drivers are a bigger risk to safety than hypermilers.

[Pvtjamesryan2]

What the fuck is wrong with that guy?

What a weirdo!!

[Jammowns]

Oh my gawd, a smart person who knows how to save gas, run for your lives!

[safarigoo]

@Jammowns and get killed in traffic for driving like an idiot.

[Redshift21]

My sisters Ford Focus gets over 50 MPG without all that fuss.....  oh wait it's a European Ford Focus... that's why!!!

[nozionists666]

Turning on your car repeatedly causes bugger all wear to your starter. As for it using more fuel, thats not true. Why would he be doing it if it did?

I've done it and it works. If we all did it, we would have a cleaner world and fewer road deaths.

[Italian4Lyfe04]

@nozionists666 not to mention more weirdos and traffic

[halik007]

Yes, I've increases my MPG by 10% at the cost of $4500 for new transmission. That guy needs to take an econ class.

[geonerd]

This guy needs anti-OCD drugs. What he does works, but needs to be practiced in moderation.

Let the poor car idle for a few seconds before charging down the road.

Shifting an auto into and out of gear while the car is running will possibly damage the tranny.

Go as slow as you like, but only if you can do so w/o blocking traffic.

Constantly switching off the engine will save gas, but it will also chew your ignition switch, starter and engine.

Hypermiling need not be a fringe activity!

[buttercup7156]

get a grip people ... if youre coasting and not using brakes .. do u know what that is called ..?? obstructing .. these people will cause accidents .. if ur that worried about gas mileage buy scooter or a segway ..or just be a man and buy a motorcycle ..

[manithemoneyman]

so pathetic. how is this worth it?

or even safe. hope he gets in a nice crash on one of those turns where he isnt using the brakes and the engine is off. that should kill him. and hopefully all the other retards will follow.

[TS2912]

EVERYONE SHOULD BE LIKE HIM!!!

Imagine the freeway filled with half-dressed (no wallet, no shoes, etc.), sweaty (windows rolled up, no fans or AC), overweight men, tailgating 18 wheelers, riding along the shoulder at 50 mph, zooming through steep curves, coasting with the engine off (steering without power, fading brakes, airbags off) and fighting to park at every slope.

Sure beats buying a Prius, getting the same economy (and simply driving economically)

[Kanotoa]

I try to do some of those things but turning off you engine is too hardcore for me. I get about 33-36 MPG in my Scion Xb.

[bmtimv]

It actually negates the point of hypermiling, depending on your car the car can use up all the gas you save turning the car off turning it on when you need it.

[RyanKearns1985]

China also can't make a car that passes crash test standards, anywhere, including RUSSIA. RUSSIA doesn't care about ANYTHING. What does THAT tell you about china...

[burns1210]

I'm actually on the website mentioned on this video. I had no idea that this guy is such a kook. Turning the key and slamming the car in drive like you're swatting a fly? Pushing your car? Hair-pin turns? Come on man. I'm all for increasing MPGs but this guy needs to get a life.

[Rekondite]

The turns could be fun though =)

[DADShadowFox]

it is ILLEGAL to shut off your engine in traffic. You loose power brakes.

[finalfantasyXyuna]

yup. u lose all engine vacuum which will kill the brakes. u lose power steering (not a big deal) but!!! crusing in neutral will kill the transmission due to moving parts without any tranny fluid pressure.

[jalit]

Not if you hold the clutch in.

[shermyeung11]

HYPERMILING IS RETARDED !! Okay, I gotta give it to this retard. He does save gas for whatever the hassle he is doing. Think about this !!!!! You take turns without braking and keep turning on and off your engine. Good luck changing your tires every 2 yrs and getting a new starter every year. Those cost WAAAY more.Your a retard. Come talk to me !!!

Tires and starter will cost $800? Not to mention idling sensors, belts that your toying with.

[adambomb46]

This guy has been doing this since 2001. He gets 90+mpg in his 2000 Honda insight. Saved thousands of dollars. What have you done? Not a darn thing. If your car is in neutral, you are not going to harm your starter. Thats just a fact. The only harm that could be done is you are going to wear on your tranny a little faster.

[degnaw]

He doesn't have an insight...He has an accord, ford ranger, and acura mdx.

[xAbre1200]

yea stupid ass, why dont u stfu

[notruthleftforthekid]

another thought.. wouldn't inflating your tires to the max cause them to wear quicker, thus causing you to spend more on tires than on gas? 4 Tahoe tires are about $750.... just a thought

[notruthleftforthekid]

the drafting probaly isnt nessecary either, because it takes a lot of gas to start a car too. What do i know, i get 18 MPG out of a 2005 Subaru! funny, China requires 40 MPG on all cars! CHINA! I thought WE were the smart ones? Hooray big Gov't! Way to fail a nation

[RonOverdrive]

Heh.. I get 28.5 out of my 2008 Subaru Impreza and our cars are rated at similar fuel efficiency(23 city, 27 highway). I was getting 25 mixed before but now I'm getting 3.5mpg more. Granted my car isn't broken in and the MPG guage that came with the car isn't very accurate, but considering I put 13.5 gallons of gas every time I refill when the gas light goes off thats an extra 47.25 miles per refill. And I'm not doing any of the extreme stuff either.

[bmtimv]

I get 45mpg out of my volvo thats only rated at 19mpg

[burns1210]

It takes 6 seconds worth of idle gas to start the average car.

[finalfantasyXyuna]

my car u gotta crank and crank and pump and pump. carbeurators are fun lol

[gfc56]

Funny nobody has mentioned not using your ac, you get better mpg if you keep your ac off.

[TJOPootertoot]

I've seen reports that you get WAY worse MPG from the increased drag of having your windows open (the old "2-60" or "4-60" model AC!) than using it.

[RonOverdrive]

If needed you should really just pulse the AC on and off every few minutes with the air reciruclating the cabin air. Otherwise windows down at low speeds and fan on at high speeds.

[burns1210]

According to my scangauge, I burn .22 gallons per hour in neutral with the A/C off, and .39 GPH with the A/C on in a Pontiac Vibe. Haven't done any road tests with the windows up and down and such.