Wrenchtalk

GM has announced it’s decision to kill of yet another line, Saturn.

In recent years GM sold its European lines, Saab and Opel, as well as the Hummer. Pontiac, Geo and Oldsmobile were just shut down. Period. They joined Elmore, LaSalle, Marquette, Oakland and Viking in GM’s graveyard of nameplates.

The Saturn had been introduced as “A different kind of car, a different kind of company.” It drew buyers, but more than 40% of them already owned a GM car, so it was really robbing Peter to pay Paul. The net gains in sales just weren’t enough to make economic sense.

In the end, much of the Saturn line was comprised of re-badged Opels or Pontiacs.

Perhaps with fewer mouths to feed, GM will finally begin rebuilding. Or not.

Today’s question from a customer was a good one and reminds us of how little most of us understand our cars.

Chuck R. from Rancho asked:

“My air conditioner has three settings, low medium and high. I know the ac cuts into my gas milage, but I LOVE feeling the arctic blast as I drive around on a hot day. Can I save on gas by setting the ac to ‘Low’?”

Sorry, Chuck. You’re right about the ac reducing your mpg. The compressor puts a drag or “load” on the engine, so it has to work harder. Unfortunately, it’s what is called a constant load, meaning that it turns at the same speed all the time. Your ac’s fan has three speeds, your compressor has one speed. Setting the fan on low means that it will draw a little (very little) less electricity. The effect on your mpg will be too small to measure. You might as well sit back, put the ac on high, and let ‘er rip!