11-05-2025
Millions of drivers ignore ‘hidden' button that keeps your car cool in hot weather and saves on fuel
MILLIONS of drivers are said to ignore a "hidden" button on their car's dashboard
that cools down
the motor and could be a
summertime saviour.
When a heatwave hits, hopping back into your parked vehicle is never a pleasant process.
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Being behind the wheel in the summer heat isn't easy - but there's a button that helps
2
Once the air is cooler in the car than out, the re-circulation button is a driver's best friend
But now motorists are sharing a tip about an easy-to-miss button on the dashboard.
The button is marked by a little arrow with a symbol of the car.
It's called the
According to Virtual Driving Instructor, the button could be a "life-saver on a scorcher of a day".
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And it also helps to save on fuel.
The expert said: "When you press this button, it stops any air from outside coming through these vents, circulating the air inside the cabin."
Pressing both the air conditioning and recirculating air buttons can be really helpful, as they "keep all the cool air inside the cabin".
It works by cutting off the outside air, instead recirculating what's already in the car.
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This brings down the temperature when the air outside the car is hotter than the air inside.
To ensure this is the case, blow the aircon for a couple of minutes and then hit the recirculate button - rather than swapping it for warmer outside air.
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That could even allow you to switch the air con off, saving on fuel.
Fuel prices remain high with the average price of a tank costing £75, so it could be a timely piece of financial advice.
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The
It said: 'Start driving, but keep the car windows open for a minute or two to let all the hot air escape, do this until the air from the vents feels cooler than the outside temperature.
"Once the air conditioning is blowing cold, close all the windows and switch to (pre-cooled) recirculated air."
Four-step guide to keeping car cool
By
Jacob Jaffa
First of all, start driving for a couple of minutes before turning on the AC as this can improve it's power.
Consumer Reports experts said: "Your
"Don't waste time and fuel by letting your car run before you go."
Once you're up and running,
Then, when cold air has started to come through the vent, roll up the front windows but keep the rear windows cracked open.
Doing this for another 10 to 20 seconds will pull the cooler air through into the back of the car, helping to achieve a better all-around chill.
Finally, set the temperature as low as it will go and adjust the fan speed and aim to your preference
