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Issaquah: Should You Drive With The Windows Down or A/C on in Your 2018 Nissan Kicks?
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(Posted on Jan 6, 2019 at 01:03AM by Robert Bacon)

Hi Robert,

Over the holidays my brother and I had a debate about what reduces my 2018 Nissan Kicks ' gas mileage more: driving with the windows down or using the air conditioning system. Can you put an end to this dispute?

Thanks,
Liam

Hi, Liam!

This is one of the age-old automotive debates and, for a long time, there was no concrete evidence to support either side. Thankfully some research has been conducted which will end this dispute and help you get the most out of your 2018 Nissan Kicks.

The air conditioning system in a vehicle is essentially powered by the engine. So, when itâ€™s on, the carâ€™s drivetrain needs to use more fuel.

Driving with one or multiple windows down increases a vehicleâ€™s drag. Since this slows a car down, more fuel is required to make it run at the same speed.

General Motors and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) conducted tests in 2004 to get to the bottom of this debate. Using a wind tunnel, they determined it was more fuel efficient to drive with your windows down than use an air conditioning system: this is true for both SUVs and sedans.

Thanks for the question, Liam! Contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington if you have any more automotive disputes that need to be settled.Â