When you should NEVER press button on your dashboard even though it'll save you cash this summer
While it can help save some pennies and make summer driving more bearable, there are times when motorists should think again when using the handy setting.
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Your motor's air recirculation button can be most effective during those hot summer months.
You can find the universal symbol for air recirculation on your dashboard which shows the outline of a car with a curved arrow within it.
It can cool your car quicker and puts less of a strain on your air-conditioning, helping you to save cash.
But there are times when motorists should never press the button.
Drivers are urged not to use air recirculation setting for extended periods of time as the air in the car can become stale and stuffy.
If the setting is frequently used, especially when it rains and during colder days and nights in the winter, it can increase the humidity in the motor's cabin too.
This can cause the windscreen and windows to steam up rapidly affecting visibility.
If you're on a long motorway trip, breathing the same recirculated air may also increase tiredness behind the wheel.
And if you smoke or vape while driving, especially with passengers in the car, the air recirculation shouldn't be used for obvious reasons.
Motorists are urged to remember that it's illegal to smoke in the car with passengers under the age of 18.
Moment row erupts as driver says 'I didn't hit your car, f---ing prove it'
If caught, you could be slapped with a £50 fine.
But there's no doubt that using the setting comes with some useful benefits.
It cools your motor's cabin quicker and more efficiently than the default external air ventilation setting.
Activating the button shuts off the flow of air being introduced from outside, recirculating the air already in the vehicle.
It's particularly handy for reducing the temperature inside the car when you first get in on a hot day.
So rather climbing into a scorching motor and waiting an age for the air-conditioning to cool it down, experts suggest opening the doors and windows before your journey to let the hot air escape.
This can also help get rid of toxins that build up from the interior materials after prolonged exposure to heat.
Once you're on the road and the air-con has reduced the temperature, you can then switch on the recirculation function.
The cool air will continue to recirculate putting less strain on your air conditioning system rather than continuously cooling down hot air being drawn in from outside.
With the air-conditioning doing less work, it should mean you cut costs on fuel too.
It can also lower maintenance costs and can delay the need for a re-charge which could cost anywhere between £50 to £200.
It will also prolong the life of the cabin filter which traps dust and pollen entering the car.
And switching to air circulation can also be ideal when sitting in heavy traffic, preventing any harmful emissions from entering your car.
It even does an effective job at blocking out unpleasant smells.
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