Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis every penny counts and drivers are now being urged to use a "secret" button to save on fuel.
The button will not only save fuel but also make drivers and passengers much more comfortable during car journeys, the Express reports. Drivers will likely not be surprised that their air-conditioning system uses engine power in diesel and petrol cars, or battery power in electric vehicles.
For internal combustion engines that can lead to much bigger fuel consumption. The system usually works by taking the outside air and then heating or cooling it.
READ MORE: McDonald's drive thru warning as customers face £200 fines
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. 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."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
