Any problem with top down A/C?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 185
Likes: 3
From: Ball Ground GA
Any problem with top down A/C?
I have searched and haven't found a good answer to this. I fully understand the potential energy wasting aspects of of blowing tons of cold air on your body with the top down but are their any technical reasons for this being bad? Could the condensate quantity get too large and get the interior wet, could the compressor over work, etc.?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
The temp won't regulate as well to get to the temp you set since the return (internal temp sensor) won't ever reach the correct temp, so it will blow cold continously. Not a problem, I do it all the time.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,295
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From: Surprise Arizona
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 185
Likes: 3
From: Ball Ground GA
Thanks, guys. I am an engineer (not automotive, but I am technically obsessive) so I am aware that the controls will call for more cool air than normal, the compressor will run more than normal, the condensate from condensing water in the air will be more than normal.... What I wanted to know is if there was any practical problem (other than maybe fuel mileage) with doing this.
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Swanton Ohio
Thanks, guys. I am an engineer (not automotive, but I am technically obsessive) so I am aware that the controls will call for more cool air than normal, the compressor will run more than normal, the condensate from condensing water in the air will be more than normal.... What I wanted to know is if there was any practical problem (other than maybe fuel mileage) with doing this.
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
I'm an engineer also and would bet that the automotive types actually tested this for yokels like us!
cu
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
94 here today, but not real humid, anyway I spent the afternoon riding with the top down and AC running. Al Gore may overheat and loose his condensate, but the car and passengers were fine.
I'm an engineer also and would bet that the automotive types actually tested this for yokels like us!
cu
I'm an engineer also and would bet that the automotive types actually tested this for yokels like us!
cu
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I do it all the time.
That being said I HAVE had times when the wife gets dripped on in very humid FLA weather. I usually just cut the air off for a few minutes to let things dry out. Its never been a big problem.
That being said I HAVE had times when the wife gets dripped on in very humid FLA weather. I usually just cut the air off for a few minutes to let things dry out. Its never been a big problem.
Race Director
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From: Prescott Arizona
Thanks, guys. I am an engineer (not automotive, but I am technically obsessive) so I am aware that the controls will call for more cool air than normal, the compressor will run more than normal, the condensate from condensing water in the air will be more than normal.... What I wanted to know is if there was any practical problem (other than maybe fuel mileage) with doing this.
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
I was wondering the same thing myself.
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I've drove with the windows down, A/C on many times - never had a problem with the HVAC - I think your car will be just fine.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Thanks, guys. I am an engineer (not automotive, but I am technically obsessive) so I am aware that the controls will call for more cool air than normal, the compressor will run more than normal, the condensate from condensing water in the air will be more than normal.... What I wanted to know is if there was any practical problem (other than maybe fuel mileage) with doing this.
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
So far it sounds GOOD, I am warm blooded and can't get enough cool air!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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All I can say is that having done the extended road test in the extremes of climate in Las Vegas and in England, mine's still going strong after nearly 10 years. My record was 136 degrees at one end (Death Valley) and 30 degrees at this end both with the top down. And anoter one here who practises heresy by driving with the windows up and the seat heaters on.
I'd have thought the seals drying out through lack of use might be a bigger problem.
No problems at all. You'll get better cold air output on recirculation mode.
I'd have thought the seals drying out through lack of use might be a bigger problem.
No problems at all. You'll get better cold air output on recirculation mode.
Last edited by DeeGee; May 21, 2012 at 10:34 AM.