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raccoon

(31,091 posts)
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 09:58 AM Jul 2012

Because of global warming, my next car may be a 6 cylinder.


I know they don't get as good mileage as 4 cylinder--which I have now.

But in hot weather, even in the 90's, even when we aren't experiencing the heat
wave of the century (so far), on a long trip the AC doesn't keep you cool in a 4 cylinder.

I don't do a lot of driving, so for me it's worth the trade-off to have to spend more for gas
in order to have better AC. I live in upstate SC, where we don't have much cold weather any more. In fact, last year winter was cancelled.



54 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Because of global warming, my next car may be a 6 cylinder. (Original Post) raccoon Jul 2012 OP
Until the compressor went out in my 92 Toyota truck hobbit709 Jul 2012 #1
$500 is a pretty attractive price. Turbineguy Jul 2012 #10
It helps if you're buddies with a good mechanic. hobbit709 Jul 2012 #13
What mechanic charged you $300 to install it? Ter Jul 2012 #36
The compressor was $200, needs about $250 in other parts for the conversion. hobbit709 Jul 2012 #38
I own a fully restored 1968 Ford Fairlane Cobra permatex Jul 2012 #23
Ford air conditioners have two settings colder and Fawke Em Jul 2012 #27
I'm going to replace the old York piston comp. permatex Jul 2012 #30
Weird. Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #2
Knew I should've said, YMMV. IME, 4 cylinders just don't cut it raccoon Jul 2012 #3
Round here it can be in the 90's or higher with 60% humidity. hobbit709 Jul 2012 #9
The system may be low on refrigerant. Turbineguy Jul 2012 #12
You might have to apply Shankapotomus Jul 2012 #4
I have a 4 cylinder and the A/C blows plenty cold. RC Jul 2012 #5
I have a civic hybrid and the a/c works fine. ananda Jul 2012 #6
The two have nothing to do with each other... snooper2 Jul 2012 #7
You could get in the long line of people at the auto parts store buying AC recharge kits... Junkdrawer Jul 2012 #8
If it's any help enlightenment Jul 2012 #11
I'm in hellishly humid Michigan etherealtruth Jul 2012 #14
Humidity has everything to do with it. Turbineguy Jul 2012 #15
Good information to know. enlightenment Jul 2012 #21
4 and 6 cylinder motors from the same automaker HooptieWagon Jul 2012 #16
The AC compressor only uses a few Horsepower. A 6 vs 4 Cyl makes no difference. NutmegYankee Jul 2012 #17
you may just need the system recharged Motown_Johnny Jul 2012 #18
I have had many 4 and 6 cylinder cars SoutherDem Jul 2012 #19
It has been in the triple digits for a number of days now, MadHound Jul 2012 #20
I live is S Florida. Had five 4 cylinder Altima leases. Drive one now. All have great A/C. eom Mika Jul 2012 #22
the '81 VW Scirocco I owned in South Florida RedRocco Jul 2012 #24
Buy a 4-cylinder car from a manufacturer that produces a large percentage of 4-cylinder cars FarCenter Jul 2012 #25
I have a 4 cylinder but when the car is loaded, it does dog my pick up quite a bit AllyCat Jul 2012 #26
Sure does. I had a 4-cylinder Cadillac Cimmaron RebelOne Jul 2012 #40
GM is not interested in selling 4-cylinder cars FarCenter Jul 2012 #46
Except when it is extremely hot (upper nineties or in the low 100s) I find it more comfortable to 1monster Jul 2012 #28
I would rather sacrifice paying more in gas to stay cool. n/t RebelOne Jul 2012 #41
A good AC on a newish car (2000 or later) should kick in immediately. joshcryer Jul 2012 #43
Maybe. But I don't use it. I remember that it used to cool off sooner, so may need 1monster Jul 2012 #44
When the fires were going here I had to call all my family and insist... joshcryer Jul 2012 #45
The obvious solution Agony Jul 2012 #29
Then you end up with the POS that is known as the Chevy Colorado snooper2 Jul 2012 #31
Or.... bongbong Jul 2012 #48
or that POS known as the Volkswagon Golf! Agony Jul 2012 #52
Tampa, FL...4 cylinder (turbo)...no a/c problems at all. flvegan Jul 2012 #32
i drive a 6 cylinder and find the a/c to be only adequate. would love colder. eom ellenfl Jul 2012 #33
4 cylinder. No AC problems. I just roll down the windows and it gets cooler. nt raouldukelives Jul 2012 #34
I backed off of V-8s to V-6s for mileage reasons. HopeHoops Jul 2012 #35
Some are OK bongbong Jul 2012 #49
In what, a go-cart? HopeHoops Jul 2012 #50
My 2006 4 cylinder PT Cruiser kept me cool in 105 degree weather. Lex Jul 2012 #37
So your going to bigger engine with worse mpg and higher emissions. DCBob Jul 2012 #39
my 4 cylinder toyota camry ac works great on long trips, short trips, intermediate trips.. spanone Jul 2012 #42
How many cylinders does your home refrigerator have? boppers Jul 2012 #47
That depends on the car. Subaru Forester 4 cyl has AWESOME a/c (I live in triple digit TX). Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #51
I thought this was about horsepower DiverDave Jul 2012 #53
Your air is not cooled by the engine but by the air conditioner -so, um, fail CreekDog Jul 2012 #54

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
1. Until the compressor went out in my 92 Toyota truck
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:02 AM
Jul 2012

It blew cold air that you could see coming out the vents. It's a 4 cylinder. As soon as I get a couple of other things done, I got someone who will convert it to R134 and a new compressor for about $500.

Betcha it gets a lot hotter here.

 

permatex

(1,299 posts)
23. I own a fully restored 1968 Ford Fairlane Cobra
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:04 AM
Jul 2012

with factory stock A/C. Cost me just under $100.00 to convert to R-134A and now blows ice cold. Of course I don't drive it too much as the 428 Super CobraJet engine only gets about 10-12 mpg. For my daily driver I have a 1999 Ford Explorer with the 4.0L 6 cyl. engine, gets about 23-25 mpg and my wife has a 2012 Acura which gets great mileage.

Fawke Em

(11,366 posts)
27. Ford air conditioners have two settings colder and
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:24 AM
Jul 2012

chattering-teeth-icebox-freaking cold.

I LOVE Ford A/C in the summer.

 

permatex

(1,299 posts)
30. I'm going to replace the old York piston comp.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:39 AM
Jul 2012

and replace it with the newer rotary comp. It is designed to bolt up using all the original equipment, it uses much less hp. than the York comp. Gonna cost appox. $300.00 for the new comp. but it will be a tad bit easier on the mpg which is a good thing.

 

Warren Stupidity

(48,181 posts)
2. Weird.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:06 AM
Jul 2012

I've been driving 4 cylinder cars for 30 years and I've never had any problem with the AC on any of the 5 or so cars I've owned.

raccoon

(31,091 posts)
3. Knew I should've said, YMMV. IME, 4 cylinders just don't cut it
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:09 AM
Jul 2012

with the AC once it gets in the 90's, and some friends & family say the same.

Maybe humidity enters into it. Maybe the model of the vehicle....



Shankapotomus

(4,840 posts)
4. You might have to apply
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:09 AM
Jul 2012

for a special dispensation for that. Please consult the nearest DU regular for the application form.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
7. The two have nothing to do with each other...
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:21 AM
Jul 2012

You can have a V8 with a poorly designed A/C system and a 4 banger that blows ice cold all the time....

Junkdrawer

(27,993 posts)
8. You could get in the long line of people at the auto parts store buying AC recharge kits...
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:22 AM
Jul 2012

I did. 35 bucks, 5 minutes, much better. And if you save the hose and gauge, next time it's 10 bucks. (first recharge for 5 years, don't plan to be back too often.)

enlightenment

(8,830 posts)
11. If it's any help
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:28 AM
Jul 2012

I have a four cylinder Scion XD (2008) that gets great mileage and keeps me cool in Las Vegas' almost constant heat. Granted, ours is a dry heat - not sure how much of an impact humidity has on the AC in a car.

I know it's not 'made in America' but it is a decent auto and didn't cost a small fortune.

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
14. I'm in hellishly humid Michigan
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:34 AM
Jul 2012

My four cylinder Focus gets phenomenal gas mileage and the AC is super cooling ... my car prior to this was a Hyundai Sonata .... 4- cylinder, good gas mileage and good cooling (and heating... I am in Michigan)

Turbineguy

(37,208 posts)
15. Humidity has everything to do with it.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:34 AM
Jul 2012

I do a little calculation in my engineering class and it takes 4 times as much energy to cool in 80 deg F Mississippi as it does in 105 deg F Arizona.

 

HooptieWagon

(17,064 posts)
16. 4 and 6 cylinder motors from the same automaker
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:37 AM
Jul 2012

Probably use identical AC compressers. If yours isnt cooling, then something is wrong.

NutmegYankee

(16,177 posts)
17. The AC compressor only uses a few Horsepower. A 6 vs 4 Cyl makes no difference.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:38 AM
Jul 2012

Either engine can run an AC compressor at idle, when the engine has the least power. What drives the AC cooling is the size of the compressor, evaporator and condenser. I suggest you look at another 4 cylinder car. I've driven plenty with excellent AC systems.

SoutherDem

(2,307 posts)
19. I have had many 4 and 6 cylinder cars
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:39 AM
Jul 2012

I never noticed any difference in the performance of the AC. Several did have an econ mode which I could choose to allow the AC to turn off to save gas when going up hill, but it econ was off I did not have problem. My 3 cylinder Smart's AC can freeze you out.

 

MadHound

(34,179 posts)
20. It has been in the triple digits for a number of days now,
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 10:44 AM
Jul 2012

Following weeks in the nineties, and yet both my Honda and Nissan four cylinders are continuing to crank out the AC. Nor have I ever had a weak AC on any other four cylinder that I've owned or driven. You see, it isn't the number of cylinders that determines AC quality, but rather the quality of the AC unit itself and how well it has been maintained. If you have a quality unit to begin with, keep it maintained properly, it should keep you chilly in the most hot of days for a long time.

Perhaps your current AC unit is having problems, needs to be recharged with freon, needs a new clutch, has a leak, etc. Take it in and get it looked at by a qualified mechanic and see what they think. But don't let these AC problems dissuade you from buying a four cylinder in the future.

 

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)
25. Buy a 4-cylinder car from a manufacturer that produces a large percentage of 4-cylinder cars
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:17 AM
Jul 2012

Rather than a manufacturer that produces 4-cylinder cars as an option, but which would rather sell you a 6-cylinder car that they make lots more of at a higher profit margin.

Some manufacturers regard 4-cylinders as a mainstream, high-quality product.

Others regard 4-cylinders as something to be put into cheap, low-quality cars for young buyers who can't afford their larger, more expensive models.

AllyCat

(16,035 posts)
26. I have a 4 cylinder but when the car is loaded, it does dog my pick up quite a bit
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:22 AM
Jul 2012

Don't travel full more than twice a week and until this year, it doesn't get that hot in WI. But the A/C is cold!

RebelOne

(30,947 posts)
40. Sure does. I had a 4-cylinder Cadillac Cimmaron
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:32 PM
Jul 2012

that was fully loaded and when the A/C was running it had no pick up all. Gas mileage was great, but driving on I-75 here in North Georgia is a bitch with a car that is sluggish.

 

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)
46. GM is not interested in selling 4-cylinder cars
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 04:44 PM
Jul 2012

Especially when they were making the Cadillac Cimmaron. It was a Nova with upgraded upholstry and trim. Sucked big time.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
28. Except when it is extremely hot (upper nineties or in the low 100s) I find it more comfortable to
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:26 AM
Jul 2012

leave the A/C off and drive with the windows open... That is a personal preference, but it saves me money (gas milage is better unless you are doing 55 mph or more) and heck, it takes the A/C five to ten minutes to cool off enough to use it anyway.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
43. A good AC on a newish car (2000 or later) should kick in immediately.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:44 PM
Jul 2012

If it doesn't it probably needs refrigerant. You can recharge it yourself, turn the AC on, look for a pipe with a blue cap on it, feel close to it (don't touch), if it's not radiating heat touch it, if it's cold, that's the pipe. Follow the instructions on one of the recharging kits.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
44. Maybe. But I don't use it. I remember that it used to cool off sooner, so may need
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 03:05 PM
Jul 2012

refrigerant, but I still wouldn't use it, so it would be a useless expense for me.

My kid hates the A/C too. We both get allergy problems in any car with A/C running.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
45. When the fires were going here I had to call all my family and insist...
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 03:15 PM
Jul 2012

...that they use recirculate on the AC setting. Most ACs default to drawing in outside air, I have always used recirculate because 1) is allows the fans to blow harder and 2) you're not sucking in all that soot and car pollution that's out there.

But yeah, it's weird, as far as AC I only use it when it's super sunny. If it's cloud it's not necessary. I actually enjoy the heat. I have a bigger problem with cold.

Agony

(2,605 posts)
29. The obvious solution
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 11:30 AM
Jul 2012

is to look at getting a car with a 5 cylinder engine because they have the optimal balance between raw AC power and good gas mileage.

global warming sez so. . .

 

HopeHoops

(47,675 posts)
35. I backed off of V-8s to V-6s for mileage reasons.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 01:40 PM
Jul 2012

I've never liked 4-bangers. No power when you need it.

Lex

(34,108 posts)
37. My 2006 4 cylinder PT Cruiser kept me cool in 105 degree weather.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:01 PM
Jul 2012

It cools down really quick and keeps it cool. You might want to check to see what's wrong with your A/C.

DCBob

(24,689 posts)
39. So your going to bigger engine with worse mpg and higher emissions.
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:13 PM
Jul 2012

Seems that will just make matters worse regarding GW. Not being critical because I know the reality of driving in heat but it seems we are just giving up on trying to solve the problem.

FTR, I have 6 cylinder SUV so Im part of the problem too. However, I am planning to get a hybrid for my next vehicle when I can afford it.

Stay cool!

spanone

(135,635 posts)
42. my 4 cylinder toyota camry ac works great on long trips, short trips, intermediate trips..
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 02:37 PM
Jul 2012

i live in the south

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
51. That depends on the car. Subaru Forester 4 cyl has AWESOME a/c (I live in triple digit TX).
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 06:51 PM
Jul 2012

Any Ford of any cylinder will have an AWESOME a/c.

A Honda of any cylinder will at most have an OKAY a/c.

I think you're placing too much emphasis on one thing, and generalizing out to other makes what your experience has been with some other makes. Cars are very different, now. I do know that the COMPRESSOR makes a big difference.

DiverDave

(4,874 posts)
53. I thought this was about horsepower
Sun Jul 1, 2012, 07:08 PM
Jul 2012

The direct injection in 6 and 4 cylinder motors is phenomenal!
4's that have as much HP as 6's and 6's that have MORE then 8's.

Direct injection is a huge leap in HP and lower emissions.
Dont know about air conditioning tho...

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