Ask Amy: Carpooler's windows policy a drag

Dear Amy:

I have a question about carpooling etiquette. I share carpooling duties with three other women five days a week.

We alternate cars each day for the 45-minute drive, and so far it has saved us a lot of money on gas, and we appreciate the company during the drive.

That being said, one woman in our group always drives with the windows down when it's her turn to drive. She says she does this to save gas.

I have a problem with this because it is summertime, and in our area it easily reaches the mid-90s in the afternoon, and the "windblown-hair look" does not help us present a professional front.

This person is already saving three-quarters of the gas she would be buying if we weren't carpooling.

My other carpool partners agree that we should be able to ride in comfort.

How can we talk to her about this without offending her? What are the carpool etiquette rules?

Dear Concerned: I heard this question tackled recently on one of my favorite radio shows, NPR's Car Talk.

Depending on the age and model of the car, the drag created by having the windows down and all that hair flapping in the breeze will actually decrease the car's fuel efficiency more than if the AC were on.

There are probably little changes you each could make to create a great long-term carpooling situation, but you'll never know until you discuss it openly.

For more tips on increasing fuel efficiency (including not accelerating up hills and getting rid of that roof rack you never use - who knew?) check www.cartalk.com.