This question has been asked several times on this platform and people seem not to be satisfied with the responses they get.
Despite Car experts debating over the matter, car users and enthusiasts have been left confused due to their diverse responses and opinions.

Here's what ChatGPT, a trained AI model has to say:

A car generally consumes more fuel when the air conditioning (AC) is turned on compared to when it's turned off.

The AC system in a car requires energy to operate, and this energy comes from the engine, which burns more fuel to produce the necessary power.

When the AC is running, the engine has to work harder to power the compressor that cools and circulates the refrigerant, which in turn cools the air inside the car. This extra load on the engine leads to increased fuel consumption.

The difference in fuel consumption with the AC on versus off can vary depending on factors such as the car's make and model, the outside temperature, driving conditions, and even how frequently the AC is used. However, studies have shown that running the AC can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by anywhere from 5% to 20% or more.

If you're looking to save fuel, using the AC sparingly or opting for other ventilation methods, like opening windows when driving at lower speeds, can help reduce the impact on fuel consumption.

Additionally, maintaining your car's AC system in good condition, such as regularly checking for refrigerant leaks and ensuring proper compressor function, can also contribute to more efficient operation.

I queried further....

When is using the car AC less fuel consuming?

Using the AC in a car can be less fuel-consuming under certain conditions.
Here are some scenarios where using the AC might be more fuel-efficient:

1. Highway driving at higher speeds: When driving at higher speeds on the highway, the aerodynamic drag becomes a significant factor affecting fuel efficiency. In this case, having the windows down can create additional drag, which can offset the fuel savings from not running the AC. It's generally more fuel-efficient to keep the windows up and use the AC instead.

2. Extremely hot weather: In very hot weather, the interior of the car can become extremely hot, making it uncomfortable and potentially even unsafe to drive without the AC. In such situations, running the AC might be the better option for maintaining a comfortable and safe driving environment.

3. City driving at lower speeds: In stop-and-go city traffic or when driving at lower speeds, the impact of aerodynamic drag is less significant. In these situations, you might find that opening the windows for ventilation instead of using the AC can be a more fuel-efficient option.

4. Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle: Some modern cars are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, and their AC systems are engineered to be more energy-efficient as well. In these cases, the difference in fuel consumption between using the AC and not using it might be less noticeable.

It's important to note that the actual fuel consumption difference between using the AC and not using it will still depend on various factors, including the car's make and model, driving conditions, and how frequently the AC is used.

If you're concerned about fuel efficiency, it's a good idea to test your car's fuel consumption with and without the AC under different driving conditions to see the impact for your specific vehicle.
Additionally, regular maintenance and servicing of your car's AC system can help optimize its performance and reduce its impact on fuel consumption.

I continued...

What practices can make a car consume more fuel?

Several practices can cause a car to consume more fuel than necessary, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. Here are some common practices to avoid if you want to improve your car's fuel economy:

1. Aggressive driving: Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding can significantly increase fuel consumption. Smooth and gradual driving, along with maintaining a consistent speed, is more fuel-efficient.

2. Excessive idling: Leaving the engine running when the car is not in motion consumes unnecessary fuel. If you anticipate a long wait, it's better to turn off the engine and restart it when you're ready to continue.

3. Carrying excess weight: Carrying unnecessary heavy items in the trunk or roof rack increases the car's weight and creates more drag, leading to higher fuel consumption.

4. Poor maintenance: Neglecting regular car maintenance, such as not changing air filters, using old spark plugs, or having low tire pressure, can negatively impact fuel efficiency.

5. Using low-quality fuel: Using lower-grade or poor-quality fuel can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance.

6. Running electrical accessories excessively: Using power-hungry electrical accessories like the AC, heated seats, or entertainment systems extensively can increase the load on the engine and lead to higher fuel consumption.

7. Driving at high speeds: Driving at high speeds, especially on the highway, increases aerodynamic drag, which can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

8. Ignoring warning lights: Ignoring dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine light, could lead to unresolved issues that negatively affect fuel economy.

9. Not using cruise control: Utilizing cruise control on highways helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency by avoiding unnecessary speed fluctuations.

10. Skipping regular maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance, such as oil changes, can lead to increased friction and reduced engine efficiency, impacting fuel consumption.

By avoiding these practices and adopting fuel-efficient driving habits, you can improve your car's fuel economy and save money on gas while reducing your carbon footprint.

C

Lastly, I asked...

How can these be mitigated and what are fuel-efficient driving habits?

To mitigate practices that can increase fuel consumption and improve fuel efficiency, you can follow these tips and adopt fuel-efficient driving habits:

1. Smooth driving: Accelerate gently, brake gradually, and avoid rapid speed changes. Smooth driving reduces fuel consumption by preventing unnecessary strain on the engine and brakes.

2. Avoid excessive idling: Turn off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than idling.

3. Remove excess weight: Regularly clean out your trunk and avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items. Reduced weight decreases the load on the engine and improves fuel efficiency.

4. Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including air filter replacements, spark plug changes, and tire maintenance. A well-maintained car runs more efficiently.

5. Use high-quality fuel: Choose higher-grade gasoline with the octane rating recommended by your car's manufacturer. High-quality fuel can enhance engine performance and fuel efficiency.

6. Limit use of electrical accessories: Minimize the use of power-hungry electrical features like the AC, heated seats, and entertainment systems. They add load to the engine, reducing fuel efficiency.

7. Drive at moderate speeds: Keep within speed limits and avoid high-speed driving on highways whenever possible. Higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag, leading to reduced fuel economy.

8. Use cruise control: Utilize cruise control during highway driving to maintain a steady speed and reduce unnecessary speed fluctuations, which can improve fuel efficiency.

9. Respond to warning lights: Address dashboard warning lights promptly to resolve any potential issues affecting fuel economy.

10. Plan your trips: Combine errands and plan routes efficiently to reduce driving distance and time spent on the road.

11. Maintain proper tire pressure: Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, as underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency.

12. Avoid aggressive driving: Avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating, rapid lane changes, and unnecessary honking, as they waste fuel and create a safety risk.

13. Drive during off-peak hours: If possible, schedule trips during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic and reduce time spent idling in congestion.

14. Avoid warming up the engine for long periods: Modern cars do not require extended warm-up times. Start driving gently after a few seconds of starting the engine.

By incorporating these fuel-efficient driving habits into your routine, you can reduce fuel consumption, save money on gas, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly driving experience.

Hope you find these helpful and insightful
Source: CHATGPT, 2021.

cc Seun

Insightful

Bingos here will still refute all the information. Their mantra is “if it didn’t happen in Sango-Ota, it is surely a lie.” Watch how the guilty will attack my comment.