Lexus Gs430 Fuel Consumption With Air Conditioning.

[mrdoofa]

Hi,

I have actually mentioned this briefly on a previous thread, but just wanted to quickly raise the question again.

I have a 2001 GS430 and am still extremely pleased with it, I have noticed that the average MPG drops by about 2-3 MPG when I use the air conditioning. I average about 24mpg with it off and 21-22 with it on. Is this normal? I wondered if it might need regassing although it still provides plenty cold air but the system might be working harder if not fully gassed. Could that be the case? If it's normal that's fine but just wanted to see what you guys think.

[ColinBarber]

Up to a 10% different in economy can be expected. How cold is the air coming out of the vents, that is the easiest way to determine if things aren't working as well as they should be.

[mrdoofa]

The air through the vents certainly feels quite cold, not quite ice cold like my old Rover 75 was but still cold!!! My daily commute to work is about 12 miles there and 12 miles back, although I don't usually encounter many traffic jams because my hours of work are outside peak times I never get much above 40mph on the types of roads they are.

[wendle]

I might be completely wrong but I don't think having the A/C on makes any difference to the m,p.g as I thing it is electric and not driven by the engine or it would not keep producing cold air if you are stuck in a tragic jam without the engine running?

Sent from my Iphone using Lexus OC

[ColinBarber]

I might be completely wrong but I don't think having the A/C on makes any difference to the m,p.g as I thing it is electric and not driven by the engine or it would not keep producing cold air if you are stuck in a tragic jam without the engine running?

Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

The AC is driven by the engine on the GS430. On a hybrid it is electric, but even then the energy used has to be replaced somehow so the petrol engine runs longer and more often, reducing mpg.

[noby76]

2-3mpg loss whilst having the A/C works out about a 6 to 8 quid extra on a full tank. that's if you have the AC on from full till fuel light comes on but for occasional A/C usage consumption wont make much of a difference.

[dave1]

I have never noticed any real difference in fuel consumption with A/C on or off. Technically it should affect it but there again driving at night with headlamps on or with heater on should also affect it. I certainly would not worry about it Martin. Sitting in a traffic holdup for 10 minutes would have far more affect on consumption.