When it is scorching outside, you switch on the AC of your car in what seems like the only possible option. This luxury does come at a price, however—the mileage of your vehicle suffers noticeably. Though this piece of information is known by most drivers, few know the extent to which the mileage reduces when the AC is switched on. In this article, we analyze the effect in figures.

How Much Mileage Drops with AC On

Operating your car’s air conditioner regularly at full capacity can lower fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent, according to figures released by Go Digit and Bajaj Allianz. That’s not a rough estimate. Let’s see how the math works out: if your car regularly travels between 600 to 625 kilometers from a full tank, using the AC in hot weather could bring that down to around 500 kilometers.

This means you’re potentially losing out on 100 to 125 kilometers per tank solely due to AC usage. That’s a significant dip, especially for those who commute regularly or travel long distances.

Mileage Math with AC

As per Go Digit’s official statistics, while the AC is on, fuel consumption goes up by 200 ml to 1 liter of fuel for every 10 kilometers. This difference will vary based on your car model, engine type, and cooling requirement. So, while your car might add an additional 200 ml for every 10 km, another might use up to 1 liter for the same amount of distance—both thanks to the AC.

It’s worth mentioning that this is an average range. Some higher-end cars with sophisticated fuel-saving technology might do better in some measures, but the overall trend is the same for most car classes.

Other Factors That Influence Car Mileage

Although AC is a main offender in losing mileage in summer, it’s not the sole culprit. Aggressive driving, excessive braking, abrupt acceleration, or idling are also responsible for fuel wastage. Moreover, if aerodynamics of your car are obstructed by roof carriers or open windows, it will require more power to keep pace and thereby reduce mileage further.

Vent Out the Heat First

If your car has been parked under the sun, roll down the windows for a few minutes before starting the AC. This lets trapped hot air escape, allowing the AC to cool more efficiently with less effort.

Regular AC Servicing

An AC system which is not properly maintained needs to do more work to deliver the same amount of cool. Ensure to have periodic servicing done to operate at its best and save unnecessary fuel consumption.