Windows Down or Air Conditioning Up? What's Actually Better in Queensland?

Windows Down or Air Con On? What's Actually Better in Queensland?

Queensland drivers know the drill: you hop in the car, the steering wheel's basically a frying pan, and the cabin air feels like someone bottled Mount Isa in summer and released it inside your vehicle. The big question hits pretty quickly:

Do you drop the windows... or smash that A/C button like your life depends on it?

It's one of those classic arguments that's been around longer than the Bruce Highway roadworks - and everyone swears their way is the "fuel-efficient" choice.

So what's actually true?

Let's break it down with real research, real-world conditions, and a good dose of Queensland common sense.

The Science Bit

Don't worry, we'll keep it simple.

One of the biggest studies on this came from the Society of Automotive Engineers, who tested cars in a wind tunnel. Their finding?

Windows down = more drag
A/C on = less aerodynamic impact, but uses engine power

In their tests, A/C usually consumed more fuel overall.

Then MythBusters jumped in with their famous test. At 72 km/h:

Jamie (A/C on) ran out of fuel first.
Adam (windows down) squeezed out an extra 24 kilometres.

So, according to the fun TV version, windows down wins.

But here's the twist...

Queensland Isn't California

Most of the research was done in dry, mild climates. Queensland's humidity changes the game:

Your A/C has to dehumidify and cool the air.
That uses more power.
Which means more fuel burn than these overseas tests suggest.

So yes - windows down can be more efficient, but only at lower speeds and only to a point.

The Real-World Answer: It Depends on Your Speed

Under ~70 km/h → Windows Down Is Generally Better

Short urban trips around Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich?

Drag is low, so having the windows down barely affects fuel use.

Over ~80 km/h → A/C Is Usually Better

On the M1, Bruce, or Ipswich Motorway:

Drag ramps up fast.

Your windows become parachutes.

So the A/C can actually use less fuel than driving with the windows open.

The Third Option (And It's One Most People Forget)

Use the Vent / Fan Without A/C

This is the sneaky middle ground:

Fan + outside air
No compressor
Almost zero impact on fuel

Perfect for:

Early morning coastal drives
Cooler days after a storm
Suburban cruising before the car heats up

Bonus trick: Hit Recirculate Mode when you use the A/C. It cools the already-cool air inside the cabin, reducing the load on the compressor.

A Few More Hot QLD Tips (That Actually Help)

Pre-cool the car safely: Crack your windows or open all doors for 10-20 seconds before driving. Hot air escapes fast.
Park smart: Shade, garages, awnings, tree cover - your A/C won't have to work as hard.
Tint helps: Legal tint dramatically reduces heat soak.
Don't "max cold" the entire drive: Once the cabin cools down, drop fan speed, increase temp by 1-2 degrees, and switch to recirculate. Your compressor chills out, and so does your fuel bill.
For EV drivers: A/C reduces range, but not dramatically. Cabin pre-conditioning while plugged in is your best mate.

Fuel Efficiency Isn't Just About Cooling

If you really want to save fuel, the biggest wins don't come from windows or A/C at all:

Remove heavy gear you don't need
Keep tyres pumped to the right pressure.
Drive smoothly and avoid hard acceleration.
Service your vehicle on schedule.
Make sure your air filters aren't clogged.

Cooling choice is just one small part of the equation.

Or... Just Be Comfortable

Here's the real truth: Queensland is hot, humid, and occasionally brutal.

No one wants to sit in a mobile sauna just to save a few dollars a year.

If comfort matters more than squeezing every drop out of the tank, use whatever makes the drive bearable.

And if you're wondering whether your current car is doing you any favours on the fuel-efficiency front, swing by your local Motorama dealership.

We can walk you through the latest models, including hybrids, EVs, and ultra-efficient petrol options, and show you how much you could actually save by upgrading.

After all, staying cool shouldn't cost you a fortune.