Almost every car has a little button that isn't widely known about but can help to improve fuel consumption.
Drivers are being urged to check their vehicles for the 'hidden' button that could help them save money. The button will help increase efficiency and should work in different types of cars, including petrol, diesel and battery-powered vehicles.
It is absolutely worth checking to see if your car has it sooner rather than later, especially at the minute as fuel prices rocket. Petrol prices hit £100 for an average tank of fuel last week and there are no plans of fuel becoming any cheaper.
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The button changes the way that your air-conditioning works, in order to use less energy. It will come as no surprise to motorists that an air-con system uses engine power in diesel and petrol cars, and battery power in electric vehicles, reported the Daily Record.
For internal combustion engines, that can lead to a much bigger fuel consumption. The system usually works by taking the outside air and then heating or cooling it.
However, drivers have now been told that this method uses much more fuel compared to the option which lets the car’s air-con system use the air from inside the car. Thankfully, there is a button specially designed to let motorists choose which option they prefer.
If activated, the air recirculation button allows the aircon to use the air from inside the car by drawing it through vents. And, at the same time, it stops the outside air from getting in.
The button is usually located around the aircon dial that allows the driver to set the internal temperature. It has a picture of a car with an arrow inside it. Using the button will help reduce fuel consumption as it puts less strain on the car’s engine.
The principle is the same for electric cars as the aircon will put less strain on the battery. Bradley Jando of Kwik Fit said: "The compressor requires energy to run your vehicle’s air conditioning system and so will use a small amount of fuel whenever the system is running.
"It could increase your fuel usage by as much as 10 percent, and the effects are particularly noticeable on short journeys. When you initially set off, the air con has to work hard to bring the internal temperature down to a comfortable level."
Despite the reduction in fuel consumption the RAC adds: "Don’t use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption. This goes for heat as well as cooling, so try to dress for the weather, even inside your car, if fuel efficiency is a big concern."
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