The Surprising Reason Why Opening Car Windows Can Increase Fuel Consumption: Expert Warns Drivers to Avoid This Common Mistake

Are you guilty of rolling down your car windows to cool off during hot summer drives? Well, you might want to think twice after hearing what a leading motoring expert has to say about the impact on your fuel consumption.

According to mechanic Scotty Kilmer, simply opening your car windows while driving can actually lead to “worse gas mileage” due to the effects of wind resistance. In fact, he suggests that using air conditioning may be a better option in some circumstances, despite its own impact on fuel use.

This warning is supported by research conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) back in 2004, which found that opening car windows can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent for a family sedan. The impact is less significant for larger vehicles like SUVs, but it’s still something to consider.

So, when should you opt for air conditioning over open windows? According to experts at Nextbase, the cut-off point is around 50mph. Anything over that speed, and using air conditioning is actually more fuel-efficient than opening your windows.

Chris Evans, head of content at Leasing.com, further emphasizes the impact of windows on fuel economy, stating that opening windows at higher speeds can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent, double that of using air conditioning.

While it may seem like a minor issue, making the right choice between air conditioning and open windows can have a notable impact on your fuel economy. So next time you’re tempted to roll down your windows to cool off, consider the potential cost at the pump and make an informed decision for your wallet and the environment.