Re: DRLs

["Luis A. Marques" <marques@ti.com>]

> From: "Robert F. Dunne"
> I have to agree. I can't believe that ANY lights would have a 
> measurable impact on mileage. Even A/C is far less than a 10% drag... 
> Since an alternator is being belt driven all the time anyway (unlike a 
                                           ^^^^^^^^^^^^
> clutch operated A/C unit), how would the mechanics of lower mileage 
> come into play ?

Yes, the alternator is driven all the time, but unlike the AC
compressor, the drag it imposes on the engine is proportional to the
current delivered.  Still, this is a minuscule figure compared with the
weight of the car or aerodynamic drag. I would be surprised if it made
more than a 1% difference on mileage (200W = 0.27hp).

Luis Marques
'87 4kcsq