Hi everyone:

In the owners manual, for my 2000 C230K it states you can turn the AC off by selecting the EC mode on the dash on. I wanted to see if the fuel saving for one tank of gas with AC on and then EC on. Will this hurt the car over an extended period of time, possible effects with the EC switched on all the time and has anyone tried it and for how long???

Thanks
Spud

 

It won't hurt it at all. It is a good idea to run your compressor a bit at least once a week because not running at all for long periods can be bad on a compressor.

If you are driving around town, going without air-co can improve your mileage slightly. On the highway at higher speeds, with modern cars it actually more efficient to use the air-co than to have your windows rolled down due to the aero efficiency.

 

Thanks much, will try it.

Spud

 

I have tried this... and there wasnt any noticable increase in fuel economy... I get 24.5mpg avg with a/c on all the time... and I got 25mpg with no a/c... I drive the same route week in week out... so that was my basis.

Unrelated... but I did get 31mpg avg on a trip to Seattle... with the a/c on doing 75mph the entire way.