Thread: Does using pc's in your vehicle cause increased fuel use?

no

nope

it would slightly

extra weight
extra load on alternator

miniscule difference tho i dont think anyone would notice it you would prolly get worse fuel econemy driving around with the windows open creating drag lol

cheers
pcman

It should not but I am going to have my alternator rebuilt so that I get more amp. Just in case.

Originally Posted by bgoodman

you lose about 1mpg per every 200 pounds of weight

So I shouldn't try and put an ENIAC in my car?

Originally Posted by fluffy2097

So I shouldn't try and put an ENIAC in my car?

you might could get PART of it in this..

This type of question is almost the same as "will remote start worsen your gas mileage?" Yes it does but not because of weight or extra load on the alternator. The time you spent setting up your PC for the trip that you're about to take while the engine is still running. That's what increases fuel use when you're running your PC.
For example, during remote start for engine warm up, the engine usually takes about 3-4 minutes to warm up to a driveable status. Remote start usually runs the engine for about 15 minutes before shuts off. People who use remote start often leave their car running while doing quick stops at AM/PM and also quick bathroom breaks. I notice when I use my remote start to do all the above, I got 14-15mpg. I would always have to refuel my little 13 gallon tank after 185 miles of driving. I noticed the same thing when I'm using my PC. I would park and let my engine run with AC on while I setup songs, copilot, read some emails, and before I know it, I spent 30 minutes with the engine running and got 14 miles to a gallon. What I do now is I set everything up and running before I start my truck. Now I get about 18 mpg. My carpc, stereo and tonneau cover weighs about 400lbs. EPA rated my truck at 17 city and 21 hiway. I'm getting 18 city and 25 highway, 29 if I drive at 65 with AC on. For some reason my truck's gets better gas mileage with the AC on even though the windows are rolled up. I dont think the 200lb/1mpg is not very accurate. My parents sienna with 7 passangers and luggage adds about 1000lbs and it only loss about 2 mpg compared to the empty load.