During warmer temperatures, drivers are being urged to make small changes in their cars to help save on fuel prices and make their cars more efficient.
Experts have revealed that cars are more aerodynamic with the windows shut as air can flow over and around the car.
The natural inclination to have the window open instead of using the air conditioning has been labelled a “myth” as using the car-built system can be more efficient.
According to a study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers, for cars travelling at speeds greater than 45mph, fuel efficiency declines more significantly if windows are down, compared to the cost of using the car’s air conditioning.
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Windows create a drag in a car causing the engine to use more fuel
SKODAGraham Conway, motoring expert at Select Car Leasing, said: “Fuel prices have reached a five-month peak, exceeding 150p per litre, on average, across the UK.
“With temperatures expected to rise in the coming weeks, and more sunshine on the horizon, Brits will be seeking ways to keep cool during their daily commutes without spending a fortune on fuel along the way.
“As a testimony to this growing concern among Brits, recent Google search volume data shows the term ‘fuel efficiency’ has grown in search volume by almost 30 percent in the last quarter.
“But when it comes to saving fuel when the mercury rises, is it more efficient to use your car’s air conditioning, or to simply wind down the window?”
Conway explained that an air conditioning system derives its energy from the alternator, which is powered by the engine.
Using a window creates a “drag” which forces a vehicle’s engine to work harder than usual, resulting in the engine burning more fuel than it normally would if the windows were closed.
He detailed how if a car is cruising above 45mph, “shut the windows and opt for air conditioning instead to save on fuel costs”.
He added: “While the frustration of driving at a snail’s pace might cause a spike in your blood pressure, according to a recent study, so will exposure to pollution.”
Looking for more ways to improve fuel consumption, PTA Garage Services called on drivers to follow further guidance.
The site explained that using a higher gear is likely to use less fuel while having the correct tyre pressure can also impact the amount of fuel used.
If a vehicle has a heavy load either in the boot or in the back of the vehicle, the Garage stated that “it's more fuel efficient” to remove these items before setting off.
However, PTA also stated that using air conditioning to control the climate of the vehicle could increase fuel consumption by "around 10 per cent".
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AC could save drivers money on fuel
PAA study by Emissions Analytics, found that the impact of AC on hybrid fuel economy was almost twice as much, with fuel efficiency dropping by 6.1 per cent in a hybrid car compared to just 3.8 per cent for standard petrol car and 4.6 per cent for a diesel.
