Why is it not recommended to drive a car with the windows open?
Why is it not advisable to drive with the windows open?
Many drivers turn off the air conditioner in order to save fuel. However, experience shows that with the windows open, costs increase even more.
**Air conditioning consumes less fuel**
When the windows are open, the aerodynamics of the car are disrupted. This creates low-pressure turbulence areas on the sides that prevent the free movement of air flow. Air resistance slows the car down and forces it to spend more energy to maintain uniform movement. As a result, fuel consumption increases and may even exceed the cost of operating the air conditioner.
Studies conducted by the German ADAC automobile club showed that the air conditioner in a Skoda Octavia consumes 0.43 liters of gasoline per hour. According to the magazine "Za rulem", driving a compact class car at a speed of 120 km/h with open windows increases fuel consumption by about 0.5 liters/hour.
If you drive slower, that is, no more than 90 km/h, you can save fuel, because the car spends less energy to combat turbulence. In this case, open windows increase fuel consumption by about 0.1 l/hour.
In addition, children are more likely to catch a cold when the windows are open.
**Unused air conditioning damages the car**
The air conditioner must be constantly running in the car, because its failure leads to technical malfunctions. The receiver-dryer, thermostatic valve, condenser, evaporator and compressor operate due to R-134a freon streams circulating together with oil.
During this process, internal parts are lubricated and kept in working condition. If the device is not used for a long time, the oil dries out and the system partially loses its tightness. Freon is released into the atmosphere, and the equipment becomes covered with rust. Therefore, the air conditioner must be used constantly to maintain its resource, otherwise it will fail.
If it is not used for a long time, unpleasant odors appear in the evaporator. Pathogenic microbes, fungal spores and harmful mold particles multiply there. If the air conditioner is turned on not constantly, but periodically, the air flow sprays pathogenic microorganisms, causing respiratory diseases. There is even a lung disease called "legionellosis", which is caused by a dirty air conditioner. Therefore, if the air conditioner is not used for a long time, it is necessary to disinfect and clean it.
**Exhaust gases and dust**
The main problem with open windows is that dust and small particles in the air pose a health hazard. Tire rubber particles, soot and other substances settle on asphalt and roadsides and are blown into the air by the wind. Road dust contains carcinogens that cause cancer.
Exhaust gases are also hazardous to health. They include nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, as well as toxic compounds of carbon monoxide, which are formed as a result of poor fuel combustion, aldehydes, sulfur dioxide, soot, benzopyrene and other chemicals. Hydrocarbons oxidize under the influence of sunlight, forming toxic compounds. These compounds have a negative effect on the functioning of the upper respiratory tract and cause exacerbation of chronic diseases.
The danger of carbon monoxide or soot is that it has no taste or smell, but it causes dizziness, headaches, nausea, and can even lead to fainting.
In general, it is not recommended to breathe dust and gases from the road. The best thing to do is to close the car windows, turn on the air conditioning, and install a quality carbon filter in the cabin that traps not only dust but also gases. Its effect is similar to the effect of a military gas mask.