Semi Automatic Temp.control

[Guest harpo]

i have recently bought a galaxy with semi automatic temperature control.the manual states that using the automatic air conditioning results in greater fuel consumption and should not be used constantly.however other users of galaxies have told me they use theirs continually.my question is which is right and how much of an increase in fel consumption does this mean

[Topbloke]

i have a 2.3 auto and don't run the aircon unless its really hot or when the screen gets misted . i don't know how much extra fuel it uses, i am to scaried to work it out its all down to pesonel tastes but you need to run the system aleast once a week for at least 5 mins but my system will not work below 5 degrees i think it is the same for all the fords bit of a pain durring the wet cold winters just when you needs it most

[Ivor_E_Tower]

All car aircon systems won't work below about 4 degrees C.

Fuel penalty is typically 1 to 2 mpg maximum, and for maximum life of the system it is best to leave it switched on all year round.

[Dally]

I agree with Ivor - leave it on all year round. Anything else just proves to be false economy in my view and at the same time enjoy the benefits of aircon all year round.

[MrT]

Well I have been driving along on cruise control on a flat road at 70mph and by switiching the aircon off and on I could see no difference in my instantaneous mpg readings.

 

To be honest on 204bhp of engine, aircon is not going to add much load.