There are a lot of conflicting ideas out there about how to get the best gas mileage for your vehicle.  With summer getting closer, people tend to focus more on air conditioning as a factor than a simple Las Cruces car tune up or proper tire inflation.  Is there any merit to the idea that using the air conditioner in your car hurts your gas mileage?

It turns out, Consumer Reports did a study that revealed you are going to be more fuel efficient if you roll up the windows and use your air conditioning when driving above 40mph, than if you simply roll down the windows.  When driving below 30mph, though, you are better off rolling the windows down.

When you are sitting at a stop light, or idling in traffic on your way to work, there is very little air-flow passing over your engine.  If you have your air conditioning on at this point, the compressor has to work harder than normal to cool the air.  When you are moving along the freeway, though, much of the heat under your car’s hood is carried away and the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard.

So, if you really want to get the best gas mileage this summer, your best bet is to schedule a Las Cruces oil change, ensure proper tire inflation, and keep your speed down.  Air conditioning isn’t going to be as much of a factor as some of these other, more common, ailments.