Originally Posted by
Car Nut
If I have a line of cars behind me, or I'm going up a steep incline when starting off, I just kill the ac until I'm up to speed.
This is pretty much what I do all the time. I'll run the AC once the car has reached a cruising speed...and that's about it. It's just too much work for the car to accelerate and drive the compressor at the same time. My finger is always close to the AC on/off button on hot days when I'm in stop and go traffic. I can't imagine setting it in Auto mode and letting the car decide when it's time to engage the compressor. That's not going to be good for mileage or driveability in my opinion.
I have a 5-speed and my car does require a lot of throttle and clutch to get it going if I'm stopped on a steep hill with the AC on. I just don't run the AC in that situation any more.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 52.2 mpg (US) ... 22.2 km/L ... 4.5 L/100 km ... 62.6 mpg (Imp)