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Does my car’s air conditioning use gas?
My car has a really powerful AC system. However, whenever I use it, I notice my gas tank levels drop a lot really quickly. Before I go get it checked out by a mechanic, I wanted to ask if a car’s AC system uses gas to function.
Kevin Martinez · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How it works is that the alternator, which is what gives the AC energy to run, is powered by your car’s engine. From there, your car’s engine is powered by gas and your car’s battery in conjunction. So ultimately, yes, your car does use gas to run its air conditioning.
Your car’s air conditioning system is really a bunch of parts working together in order to provide that oh-so-nice cool air that you love, especially on a hot day. Basically, your car runs the AC using a high-pressured cool gas called a refrigerant which is then compressed, condensed, and ultimately evaporated into what we know and love to be cool air.
You’ve probably heard that it’s best to use your AC sparingly so you don’t waste gas. While this may be true in stop-and-go traffic, if you’re out on the road, it’s better to use the AC in lieu of open windows. This is because it can affect your car’s aerodynamics.
So pretty much, it’s best to try to use your AC sparingly as that could be the main reason why you notice your gas tank going down quickly compared to when you don’t use it. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of your car’s features! After all, that’s why they’re there.
Making sure that your car’s parts work correctly and run smoothly is a top priority for any driver. Ensuring that you have the right car insurance that will protect you and your vehicle is just as important. With over 50+ top name brand insurance companies to choose from,
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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