Just curious if roadster owners use the A/C with the top down. Eg. It's hot sunny day but you want to feel cold but have the top down.

Does this "waste" the A/C effect? (I've always used the A/C with the windows closed in my Civic to keep the cold air in.)

 

Sometimes, not much but once in awhile. Same as using the heat with the top down in cold weather but not as effective.

 

heater doesnt use the freon thingy tho....

I guess use it when you need it, you probably just need to refill more often....

 

Living in FLA I usually have the A/C on with the top down...I just make sure I set it manual; no thermostat so its always on...

I dont see that it does any harm?

Ant

 

yeah, i usually do the a/c with top down on hot days and heater with top down on cold nights.

 

when needed, the AC's on.

 

Nissan did a remarkable job of minimizing the exchange of inside and outside air in the top-down 350Z, particularly with the windows up. As a result, you can leave the automatic climate control system (ACCS) on all the time without a significant waste of fuel (required to turn the A/C compressor).

I keep my ACCS on Auto with the temperature set for ~70° year round. Rarely, I adjust the fan (rightmost ****) for more or less air flow.

Here in Denver, 40° temperature swings from one day to the next are commonplace throughout the year. My top's almost always down, but the ACCS takes the fluctuations in stride and almost always keeps me comfortable, at least with the windows up. Compensating for the greater air exchange with the windows down is a tougher challenge, but even then, the ACCS does a remarkable job.

Last winter, the same strategy kept me quite comfortable on many a 25° day wearing only a light- or medium-weight jacket -- again with the top down and the windows up.

 

Cool, thanks for the info guys!

 

I hardly ever drive with the A/C off. It is 95 degrees with 99% humidity in Mobile, AL. This is my second convirtible. My other one I drove for 2 years with A/C and top down, and never had a problem. - Doubt you will here.

A/C systems are sealed, so running the A/C with top down does not effect it. You only loose the CFC Free stuff if there is a leak (like a hose or something). The only problem is with all the crappy humidity in Mobile, alot of condensation builds on the vents, to the point that they actually drip.

Have fun and love your ride.

Go topless with the A/C!

 

Thanks ephilyawjr. I actually don't own a Z yet but can see one in my future. (3-4 years)

 

I never owned a 'vert before unless you count a soft top Wrangler! I will now ALWAYS own one after purchasing my SB roadster