How the Recirculation Button Saves Fuel
Motorists can reduce their fuel consumption in hot weather by pressing the car recirculation button, a switch found on the dashboards of most vehicles in the UK. As Britain faces a heatwave with temperatures tipped to hit 38°C, potentially becoming the hottest June day on record, many drivers will use air conditioning to stay cool, which can drain petrol and diesel fuel faster. Experts at Eden Tyres stress that pressing the recirculation button allows the vehicle’s air conditioning to work at an optimum level, reducing the strain on the system and thereby cutting fuel consumption.
Why the Button Works
Eden Tyres explained: “If you don’t switch the air-recirculation button on then your air-con will be constantly cooling warm air from outside your vehicle and will have to work much harder, putting more stress on the blower and air compressor.” The button works by recirculating the cool air produced by the A/C when first turned on. The longer it is on, the cooler the vehicle gets. Without it, the car uses warmer outside air, forcing the A/C to work harder and continuously, increasing fuel consumption and preventing the cabin from reaching its optimum coldness. The experts also noted that this puts undue wear and tear on the A/C compressor.
Identifying and Using the Button
The car recirculation button is clearly visible on the dashboard, marked by a small logo of a car with an arrow inside it. The RAC has previously suggested that using air-recirculation may be a quicker way to cool a vehicle in a heatwave than opening windows. They advised: “When the air conditioning is blowing cold, close all the windows and switch to (pre-cooled) recirculated air. You can now open the upper air vents and adjust the flow as required.” More advanced climate control systems allow drivers to set and maintain a constant temperature inside the car.
Additional Hot Weather Driving Tips
Drivers are also urged to check their vehicles before heading out in extreme heat, as hot weather can inflict strain on cars beyond fuel consumption. Ensuring proper tyre pressure, coolant levels, and oil can help prevent breakdowns. The AA has warned that gritters will be out on UK roads this week, and petrol and diesel drivers are urged to fill up before Wednesday to avoid potential shortages.
