XC60 versus old XC90 diesel mpg - and new car obs

[stu0710]

My figures are with the AC on when needed (ie when it's warm in the summer). In the winter I generally run with AC on off and occasionally use it for demisting when required (ie wet / cold days) and always run it for 5010 mins every week. My car is 15 months old now and doesn't mist up when used in the winter with the AC off. Neither did my previous SAAB which I used in this way for 6 years (AC on in summer / off in winter) and which never had an AC re-gas in all the time I owned it. AS WIMorrison states, with modern synthetic seals you should not need to keep running the AC to keep it working. Plus if you do leave it on permanently in addition to the wasted fuel (probably 2-10% - depending upon load) you also put more strain on the V-belt etc due to the extra load.

[Mike 700]

Originally Posted by exasperated

Is yours doing it now then? How long did it take? My old car did it from the start.

Unfortunately, I have discovered over the years, that once you start using a/c you have to keep using it to ensure no misting up occurs. I don't think that there is any noticeable difference in performance from having it on, but they say it probably does use a drop of fuel.

However, there's no doubt that driving style is the biggest contributor to fuel consumption, or lack of it, so I've removed the 'lead' from my boots, and don't notice any significant extra consumption from the a/c- I still 'motor' along but with just a little more awareness.

I've used it from the start and don't have to worry abut the misting - heated seats help !!!!