How many of you guys use the air conditioner with the top down on hot days? I feel too guilty to use it, even though I spent the money to have a new compressor installed. I feel like it's a big "screw you" to the environment, as if driving an 8 cylinder vehicle for one person with no cargo isn't bad enough.

 

ExKay8
I do my part so I commute with a all electric car see photo, cost about 2 cents a mile

 

I voted yes. In Tucson it's a dry heat (overused phrase, I know) so humidity isn't an issue. Having some cold air blowing on you and your passenger at a stop is very very nice, especially with a lady sitting next to you.

Get what I mean Reverend Sam?

 

Perhaps this poll has not asked the right question? In San Francisco, we rarely use AC at all - top up or down. But we are able to have the top down a major part of the year. DaleD

 

Sarcasm? My meter appears to be broken.

 

I needed it on when I was stuck in rush hour traffic in Montreal and the temp was 30 C. Usually the ac is not required here in Ontario, but nice to have it for extreme conditions.
Alfred

 

I have the A/C cranked up to max unless the weather is very mild. A single A-380 flight probably burns more fuel than the amount that is used by the air conditioners of all XKs combined in their entire lifetimes.

And if the people "regular" cars get to use their air conditioning, why can't I?

 

I voted yes but only when the humidity is oppressive. It would be my guess that those of us with convertibles use the A/C considerably less than the folks in "regular" cars.

 

My contribution is that we do not use the air conditioner with the top down. Just a natural thing with us. Although, during the day here in Texas the top is up and air is on. That's one thing that really worls good on this car.

EZDriver 2000 XK8

 

An interesting question. This is the first convertible that I have owned and it always irked me to see convertible drivers on a hot day with the top down and the ac blasting. I don't know if it is my engineering practicality or sports car purist philosophy but this just seems incongruous. If you want the sports car experience with the top down, then bite the bullet and leave the ac off. If it is so hot that it is uncomfortable with the top down and you need the ac, then close the top.


Doug

 

I have a little more time now so I can better answer this.

These are gas guzzlers. If you feel there is any perceptible environmental impact from driving an XK8/XKR and are guilty about it you should just leave it in the garage.

Driving with the top down is not aerodynamic. You are wasting more fuel just driving with the top down. Driving with the top down and the air conditioner on is moot. If you have some guilt of environmental damage from your own actions you should neither use the convertible top or even drive the damn car and get a geo metro or a new economy car.

Electric and hybrid electric cars? People who drive these with some kind of belief they're helping the environment are mistaken. The industries from mining and manufacturing used to create the batteries trash the environment. Sure you get pennies a mile... however that cost is offset with the manufacturing and future environmental damage the vehicle will create. What happens to these cars after a 6-10 year life cycle? Is there no waste in the recycling of these batteries? I wonder how many of them will end up rotting in someone's back yard or at some junk yard instead of being properly recycled. Maybe I'm completely ignorant and uninformed, but just pure common sense dictates that while you may not be personally creating pollution just driving the vehicle, the creation of or the destruction of said vehicle is far from 'green'.

just my .02

 

Never did but will try it today.

 

I have use my air. Windows down is good enough.

Actually, I do use it once in a while but only when I have the little one in the back.

 

Interesting. So, if it's hot out and I have the top up, I'm allowed to use the A/C. However, if I suddenly decide I want the top down, I'm not allowed to use the A/C? Why is that?

It's my car, I can do what I like with it. If I want to drive with the top down and the windows up, I can do that. If I want the top down and one window up, I can do that. If I want the top down, the left window half-way up and the right window half-way down, I can do that, too. Big deal.

I love driving my car. I hope you love driving yours.

 

My choice.....Top down, windows down, AC off, liberal amounts of sun block on the bald head (large economy size tube in glove compartment). Jack

 

If it is really, really hot (upper 90s or above) then I'll use the A/C. Another alternative is just driving faster

 

Interesting!!! I must have read the question wrong as it seemed to ask what "we" do with the top down, NOT what we thought others should do with the top down.

 

did it just this weekend...wanted to see the clouds and sky, but it was a little muggy/humid, no guilt here.

 

Oh yes I am guilty of using it with the top down and I seem to feel better each time I pass an SUV that uses 2 times the fuel I am using. Enjoy the car! Use the A/C with the top down.

 

I just have one question: What is 'guilt'?

Hmmm.... sounds like a personal issue.

BTW, get your finger out of my pie!

;-)