A highways hack which could save drivers hundreds and extend the life of their car has been revealed – and all it takes is hitting this one little button.
The diamond dashboard tip is to press the 'recirculation' button in your car, which has unexpected effects, particularly when drivers are dealing with soaring temperatures behind the wheel.
Most drivers don't know what the button is - and if they do, they don't know what it does.
Now, an expert has revealed exactly what the effect of using recirculation in the right ways can be - and it could save you hundreds of pounds.
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What does air-con recirculation button do?
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, the UK’s largest independent specialists for car and van leasing, has revealed exactly how we should be using the recirculation feature to get the most from your vehicle's air conditioning unit.
"The recirculation button takes the air from inside your car and circulates it around, instead of pulling in fresh air from outside, working with your AC to keep you cool," he said.
"And the perfect time to use this is in summer weather when the outside air is hot.
"By keeping hot air from outside out of the car and circulating the air already in there, your car will be much cooler when driving in the baking heat.
"The circulation of cooler air will make the drive much easier for both the driver and passengers, especially during a long journey with children or pets in the car."
How recirculation button can save fuel
"Since the AC doesn’t have to pull in hot air from outside, the AC unit will be working at an optimum level which allows your vehicle to get as cold as possible as quickly as possible," Graham said.
"It reduces strain on the system and keeps the air filters cleaner for much longer which all increases the longevity of your car."
Cutting down on repairs on your air conditioning and extending the life of your car will save you hundreds over the life of the vehicle.
Not only that but using the recirculation button helps reduce fuel consumption and saves your battery life, Graham said, saving even more money.
"With the price of petrol and diesel higher than they’ve ever been before, everyone is looking for ways to save on fuel," he said.
"In the hot weather, the air recirculation will assist the AC system which will reduce fuel consumption and also save power for the car's battery to last longer."
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Air-con recirculation health benefits
Graham said: "A massive bonus if you suffer from hay fever, air recirculation blocks bad toxins such as pollution, pollen and even bad smells from entering the vehicle.
"If you happen to be stuck in traffic next to a smelly field while suffering from hayfever, the button is definitely a massive convenience that's better for your general health."
With all this in mind, pressing this mysterious button has some great benefits that are better for your car's health - and the health of everyone in the car.
However, to make the most of the brilliant button, Graham had one more piece of advice.
"If the car has been baking in the sun, then roll the windows down, turn the AC on and get rid of the hot air in the car before switching recirculate on, otherwise you’ll be stuck with hot air being recirculated," he added.
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