Driving with the air conditioning on

[moeharri]

Does anyone else here dislike driving with the air conditioning on? The reason I dislike it is that the car seems to be very sluggish and not very responsive. It seems like I need to step on the accelerator quite hard just to get to 2500-3000RPM and even then, speed doesn't come very easy. The engine feels "gritty" during the acceleration. I've noticed this in my 05 and 07 Camrys--I expected the V6 would help, but it actually feels worse than the 05 I4 does. I've also noticed this on past cars as well such as my 01 Grand Am GT. I'm just wondering if anyone else notices this while driving with A/C on and if it drives them nuts like it does me? As a rule of thumb, I try not to use A/C unless it's over 90 degrees or I'm going 50+MPH (too windy for windows down). Thanks for reading.

[trdsupragt]

I've always thought that it was normal for the car to sort of "lose power" when th A/C was on. You can especially notice it while cruising or accelerating. Try turning on the A/C while driving and you'll sort of feel your car power down a bit. It happens with my 90 Accord. And with my dad's 01 Sienna, the engine is roaring whenever the A/C is on during a hot day. I can't really explain why though, so maybe someone else here can enlighten us.

[moeharri]

Yes, I'd like to know why in the 21st century, turning on the A/C makes a car "so much" less responsive. I'd think it could be made less noticeable somehow--or maybe I'm just overreacting like normal

[my2007machine]

I've noticed it but i don't mind 'cause i usually never go past 65 mph, not a ''speeding fan'' here, i have felt the car losing power when turning the a/c on but that's not an issue for me.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by moeharri

Does anyone else here dislike driving with the air conditioning on? The reason I dislike it is that the car seems to be very sluggish and not very responsive. It seems like I need to step on the accelerator quite hard just to get to 2500-3000RPM and even then, speed doesn't come very easy. The engine feels "gritty" during the acceleration. I've noticed this in my 05 and 07 Camrys--I expected the V6 would help, but it actually feels worse than the 05 I4 does. I've also noticed this on past cars as well such as my 01 Grand Am GT. I'm just wondering if anyone else notices this while driving with A/C on and if it drives them nuts like it does me? As a rule of thumb, I try not to use A/C unless it's over 90 degrees or I'm going 50+MPH (too windy for windows down). Thanks for reading.

Mine ('07 XLE I4) is fine at all speeds.

My automatic A/C is always set at 70 degrees and my wife changes her occassionally.

Only noticeable with slightly lower gas mileage.

[etc]

I haven't noticed any difference with 2000 ce 5 spd

[Forced Induxion]

When your a/c is on, it makes your engine work harder. In other words, its robbing your engine of some power to make your a/c work.

[etc]

which means you will get better MPG without AC.

[CamNub]

A/C is a powersucker. That's why lots of high performance guys get rid of their AC. And it is also a huge drop of weight.

[moeharri]

I don't understand why a car with 268HP has such a noticeable effect when the A/C is on though. If it takes 10% of the engine power (not a real number, just an example) on the I4, wouldn't it take only like 6% on the V6? I'd think it'd be less noticeable on the V6, but that doesn't seem to be my experience.

[Forced Induxion]

Originally Posted by moeharri

I don't understand why a car with 268HP has such a noticeable effect when the A/C is on though. If it takes 10% of the engine power (not a real number, just an example) on the I4, wouldn't it take only like 6% on the V6? I'd think it'd be less noticeable on the V6, but that doesn't seem to be my experience.

Sorry I don't have an answer for that question but if your fan runs on a belt (I'm not sure what the V6 model has) you can free up some of that power by getting an EFK.

[moeharri]

Originally Posted by Forced Induxion

Sorry I don't have an answer for that question but if your fan runs on a belt (I'm not sure what the V6 model has) you can free up some of that power by getting an EFK.

What is an EFK?

[Forced Induxion]

Originally Posted by moeharri

What is an EFK?

Electric Fan Kit

[Streaker]

The belt, condensor and pulley rob the engine of power. Thats why you never see AC in racecars. Even when not on the AC pulley robs some power. Thats why anyone who was going to street race years ago would never order AC in their new ride.

[DrewsCam]

all cars do it, my 99 does

turn down your radio and listen to the car you car hear it power down and go back when its off