Drivers are being advised to use a little-known button in their car which can reduce fuel consumption as the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel continues to skyrocket.
According to experts, not only does using this button save you on petrol costs, but it also makes those travelling in the car more comfortable.
People may not know this, but using the air conditioning system in your car uses engine power, which in turn burns up petrol and diesel.
For those whose vehicles have an internal combustion engine, this leads to the use of much more fuel on your typical journey.
The process of your car taking the air from outside and then heating or cooling it before pumping into the car is what takes up the most petrol and diesel.
However, there is an alternative process that you can activate which lets the car’s air-con system use the air from inside the car.
If switched on, the air recirculation button, allows the aircon to use the air from inside the car by drawing it through vents.
The button - which has a picture of a car with an arrow inside it - is usually located around the aircon dial that allows the driver to set the internal temperature.
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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