When taking on car care for the first time, you’re bound to have many questions about how everything works! One common question we hear at Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete is “Does car AC use gas?” Yes, just like many of the other features in your vehicle, your air conditioning system uses gas. If you’re wondering how car AC works, you’re in the right place! Your air conditioner draws energy from the alternator, which itself is powered by the engine. Since fuel is needed to power your engine, the AC also relies on gasoline.

While this may lead you to believe that using your air conditioner is a waste of fuel, there are situations where turning on your AC is actually the most fuel-efficient option! Learn more about how car AC works with our tips below so you can continue to enjoy your Lincoln travels!

How Car AC Works

For the most part, car air conditioners work the same for all cars. We’ve answered, “Does car AC use gas?” but what else is involved? AC systems run on a high-pressure gas called refrigerant and use the following components to keep you comfortable on your commute from Seward to Milford:

• Compressor — this compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, allowing it to flow through the line to the condenser.
• Condenser — pulls heat from the refrigerant and pushes it along to the expansion valve or orifice tube.
• Expansion valve or orifice tube — sets the refrigerant back to its original, gaseous state. Then, it sends it to the receiver/drier or accumulator.
• Receiver/drier or accumulator — takes out all the moisture from the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator.
• Evaporator — removes heat from the air passing through the core, then transfers it to the refrigerant. As a result, cold air flows beyond the evaporator.

Can Using Car AC Be Fuel-Efficient?

Since we’ve established that using your AC does, in fact, burn fuel, you may be ready to turn off the cooling system for good. While understandable, there are actually times when using your AC will save fuel. Based on information from the EPA, using your car’s AC can be more efficient while driving at highway speeds than leaving the windows open. The reason is that open windows create more drag at high speeds. So, when you’re hopping on the highway for your next adventure, you can cool down with your AC, knowing that you’re being as efficient as possible!

Other Ways to Improve Fuel Economy

Along with shutting your windows at high speeds, there are many ways to adopt more fuel-efficient driving habits. Here are a few tips:

• Brake gradually
• Make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated and aligned
• Don’t idle for more than 30 seconds
• Pack light
• Use sun reflectors if you’re parking in a sunny spot
• Don’t use cheap engine oil
• Reduce your speed and drive in a higher gear

Learn More About Auto Service with Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete!

Whenever your vehicle needs some TLC, Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete is the place to stop. You can rely on our Crete team to help you through all of your service projects. What’s more, we offer the insights you need to make automotive ownership simple. Whether you want to learn how to remove car battery corrosion or you’re curious about when to replace a serpentine belt, Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete has you covered!