Do power convenience options decrease fuel mileage?
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Do power convenience options decrease fuel mileage?
More than one consumer article on gas mileage mentions that power options, such as power windows, power seats, etc, decrease fuel mileage because of increased weight of the electric motors. Is this a statement based on theory, or is it based on actual experience? My guess is the effect is minimal (VW and Toyota don't offer many new small cars with manual windows), but I figured someone here would know.
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From: Michigan
Well, technically, it's the truth. Adding weight means your motor has to overcome said weight, however, if the power convenience options are minimal, I'm sure it doesn't have a huge impact. Power windows, locks, mirrors... probably not much. But I'm not sure how the seats rate... seats are pretty heavy in general. I'd say up to about 100lbs probably isn't a huge difference. Past that and you're probably starting to make an impact.
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From: just outside of Phila.
I never really thought about that before. I KNOW my A/C wrecks my gas mileage, but I never thought about the other things.
You figure (in my car):
4 power windows
power sunroof
locks
trunk/gas cap pusher
radio/cd player
golf clubs
car wash stuff
There's no way this stuff could equal more than 200 lbs though I don't think. I can get 320 miles out of a tank without the A/C on, and 260-280 with it on. That's a big difference.
You figure (in my car):
4 power windows
power sunroof
locks
trunk/gas cap pusher
radio/cd player
golf clubs
car wash stuff
There's no way this stuff could equal more than 200 lbs though I don't think. I can get 320 miles out of a tank without the A/C on, and 260-280 with it on. That's a big difference.
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From: Everett, Wa
A/C does not always mean less mileage. Rolling you windows down for cooling instead of running the A/C is more detrimental to mileage.
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From: Atlanta GA
> I think for every 100 lbs
For a compact car it is every 100+ pounds decreases mileage by 1 mpg. Which is one reason you have a compact spare, small gas tanks, and light weight tires.
As for newer cars, the new electric motors and their coated string regulators weigh far less then a 1986 Bronco's electric widow motors and frame. The creature comforts on newer cars weigh far less then what they weighted in the 80s when the mileage statement was true. Just compare the monster York compressors for say a 1970s V-8 vs. the one found in a Focus.
A good manual regulator probably would weigh more then the newer electric windows, if manual was an option. Everything from windows to seats are lighter, except maybe the alternator which is much bigger (size and amps) in newer vehicles then that found in older vehicles.
For a compact car it is every 100+ pounds decreases mileage by 1 mpg. Which is one reason you have a compact spare, small gas tanks, and light weight tires.
As for newer cars, the new electric motors and their coated string regulators weigh far less then a 1986 Bronco's electric widow motors and frame. The creature comforts on newer cars weigh far less then what they weighted in the 80s when the mileage statement was true. Just compare the monster York compressors for say a 1970s V-8 vs. the one found in a Focus.
A good manual regulator probably would weigh more then the newer electric windows, if manual was an option. Everything from windows to seats are lighter, except maybe the alternator which is much bigger (size and amps) in newer vehicles then that found in older vehicles.
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From: Lewistown, PA
Originally Posted by tmyers
Rolling you windows down for cooling instead of running the A/C is more detrimental to mileage.
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The Mythbusters test was very flawed. There was a large discussion about that on their website. They agreed it wasn't right and thought that they might revisit that myth and try again.
The problem is that they ran at about 45 MPH. At that speed is is true that the windows down is better. But at highway speeds A/C will get better mileage than windows down.
The problem is that they ran at about 45 MPH. At that speed is is true that the windows down is better. But at highway speeds A/C will get better mileage than windows down.
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From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by tmyers
Who drives below 50?
I know I my latest trip there was no noticable differnece in mileage with A/C on or off.
Driving around in traffic though it can be severely detrimental.
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally Posted by rebocardo
As for newer cars, the new electric motors and their coated string regulators weigh far less then a 1986 Bronco's electric widow motors and frame...A good manual regulator probably would weigh more than the newer electric windows, if manual was an option...
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From: Bayonne NJ
Originally Posted by BigF350
Not me... You are right. At highway speeds it hardly changes it.
Driving around in traffic though it can be severely detrimental.
Driving around in traffic though it can be severely detrimental.