An open car window could be un-American
July 2, 2008
I’ve discovered a new way to judge your patriotism.
It used to be I’d just glance at your lapel — no flag pin, no love for your country. Now I can spot you on the road, too.
A recent Q&A on Slate discusses whether it is more fuel efficient to drive with your windows down, or with your windows up and the AC cranked. You might think it’s better to save gas by giving the AC a rest, but opening windows lets wind into the car, which can increase drag and force you to use more sweet, sweet gasoline.
“At low speeds, at least, the fuel-economy losses associated with rolling down your windows are minuscule. But as your foot gets heavier on the accelerator, the situation rapidly begins to worsen. That’s because drag increases with the square of speed. So when you hit the highway, all that wind whipping through your open windows begins to take a major toll. Even with the windows sealed tight, the majority of your car’s power goes toward fighting wind resistance when you’re cruising at 55 miles per hour.”
What’s the easy solution? There isn’t one. Different autos give you different ratios.
And from whence does my assessment of patriotism come? From my twisted noggin, that’s whence! The more gas you waste through non-aerodynamic driving, the more you need and the higher prices go. That means more reliance on foreign oil.
I’m in favor of a Manhattan Project-sized research endeavor into alternative fuel sources. But, barring that, I’d appreciate it if you search for the middle ground between your AC and your windows when you’re barreling down the road.
JOE BACCHUS, Web Specialist
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What about sunroofs? Are they Libertarian or Communist?