How Does Your Cars A/C Work?
The A/C system in your INFINITI does not generate cold air. Instead, it draws heat and moisture from the air inside the car and cools it. The three parts of your INFINITI's A/C that are primarily responsible for running your car's A/C are the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Your A/C system cant do its job without refrigerant. As the A/C system pulls heat and moisture from inside your car, it converts refrigerant from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. When the refrigerant cools down, it switches back to a low-pressure gas.
Does Your Car A/C Use Fuel?
Your car does depend on fuel to run the A/C. The energy used to operate the A/C comes from your cars alternator. The engine, which relies on fuel, supplies the energy for the alternator.
A/C vs. Windows Down
Its an argument thats been around for ages: Should you run the A/C or roll down your windows?
A study1 by the Society of Automotive Engineers showed fuel efficiency was better when the A/C was on and the windows were rolled up. When the windows were rolled down and the A/C was off, fuel efficiency decreased. The worst fuel efficiency, the study found, occurred when the windows were rolled down and the A/C was on.
But in a test of a pickup truck conducted by Edmunds.com, the A/C “produced a measurable drain on the engine and a resulting drop in fuel economy.” Gas mileage was better when the truck's windows were rolled down.
According to the federal website fueleconomy.gov, running your car's A/C in hot weather is the biggest contributor to decreased fuel economy. Under very hot conditions, A/C use can lower the fuel economy of a conventional vehicle by more than 25%, especially on short trips. However, driving with the windows down may also put a dent in fuel efficiency, particularly when your vehicle is traveling at highway speeds.
According to Fueleconomy.gov, rolling down the windows at low speeds, such as in city traffic, and turning on the A/C at high speeds, such as in highway traffic, may help you maximize fuel mileage when driving in hot weather.
Can I Make My A/C Colder?
If you decide to switch on the A/C but the air isn't as cool as youd like, you may be able to make the A/C colder. This can be done by replacing the air cabin filter, cleaning the A/C condenser, getting the refrigerant level checked, or turning on the “fresh air” setting, if available, to help get rid of hot air inside your car.
Whether you prefer the A/C or driving with the windows down, you should have the option for both in your INFINITI! If your A/C is on the fritz or the window isn't rolling down properly, then shop INFINITI Parts online to get the replacement parts you need for the best summer driving experience.