Drivers are being reminded that changing certain settings on their vehicle could help improve fuel consumption. One of these buttons is in relation to the air-conditioning system.
The news comes as motorists are facing the highest petrol and diesel prices on record, and are expected to pay 185.04p per litre of petrol and 190.92p per litre of diesel on average. And according to the latest RAC Fuel Watch, both prices are still likely to rise.
As a result of the increases, the cost of filling up an average 55-litre family car went above £100 for the first time ever last week and the crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. With this in mind, any hack that will reduce fuel consumption in your vehicle is worth considering - and this one should work in different types of cars, including petrol, diesel and battery-powered vehicles, the Express reports.
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There is a button in the majority of cars which changes the way the air-conditioning works, in order to use less energy. It could help save money, but is a button which many motorists will not even know exists in their vehicle.
It may not come as a surprise that an air-con system uses engine power in diesel and petrol cars, and battery power in electric vehicles. But for internal combustion engines, that can lead to a much bigger fuel consumption.
The air-conditioning system usually works by taking the outside air and then heating or cooling it. But 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.
But there is a button in vehicles which lets drivers choose which option they want. The air recirculation button allows the aircon to re-use the air from inside the car by drawing it through vents and stops the outside air from getting in if it is activated.
It 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 per cent, 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."
