I think most of us can agree that the cost of living these days is astronomical. Between rising interest rates, grocery prices, fuel costs, and more, attempting to stay on track financially can feel like a daunting task. That’s why I’m always open to hearing about tips and tricks for saving money. And this driving hack may not make you rich with savings, but it certainly can help you save on fuel.
Essentially all modern vehicles come with air conditioning. And many of us use it quite frequently, especially those of us who live in places that see high temperatures. However, it’s no secret that using your vehicle’s air conditioning equates to burning fuel. Many of us opt to drive with the windows open instead of switching on the A/C for this reason.
However, did you know this seemingly frugal trick may actually be giving you worse fuel economy? If you’re driving at slower speeds, having the windows open is the better bet when it comes to saving fuel. But if you’re driving at speeds that exceed 80 km/hour (about 50 mph), the resistance created by the wind and your vehicle can actually cause your vehicle to burn more fuel.
The takeaway? If you’re looking to save a little bit of money on fuel on a hot day, put the windows down when driving at slow to moderate speeds. However, if you’re driving at 80 km/hour or more, turning on the air conditioning and rolling up the windows is actually the better fuel saving method. Every little bit counts!
Saving fuel is one thing, but what happens when that low fuel light comes on? Learn exactly how far you can drive on empty and put that range anxiety to rest.
