Little-known dashboard button cools car down instantly - and it's not the AC

06 September 2023 , 08:29

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The button can cool your car down instantly (Image: Getty Images)

As the weather continues to get warmer, many motorists will find themselves reaching for the air conditioning in their cars and putting the cold air on full blast.

However, there is another button on the dashboard that can help keep a car nice and cool more efficiently. This particular button cuts off air from the outside and will only circulate the air within the car itself, allowing less energy to be wasted on cooling down air from the warm outdoors when the air conditioning is in use. Using this feature will also help stop extra pollution or horrible smells from getting into the car.

The button draws power from the engine (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It can also stop extra pollen from entering the car, which is a great tool for any drivers or passengers who suffer from hay fever. The button you want to keep an eye out for usually looks like the outline of the car, but it has a swirled arrow inside reports Birmingham Live.

This arrow represents the air being recirculated within the vehicle. A spokesperson for UK Car Discount said: "Your car's air conditioning system is a marvel of modern engineering, but it does draw power from the engine, impacting fuel efficiency. The air recirculation button is your ally in achieving a delicate balance.

"By recirculating the cooler air inside the car, the AC system works more efficiently, reducing the strain on your engine and consequently enhancing fuel efficiency. As you enjoy a refreshing cabin environment, you're also making a conscious choice towards economising fuel, making those long drives and city commutes even more satisfying."

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They continued: "It works by recirculating the cool air you get from your A/C when you first turn it on. The longer it’s on for, the cooler your vehicle will get! If you don’t use it, the car will use the air from the outside that is a lot warmer, and your A/C will work harder and continuously to cool the hot air.

"If your AC has to work harder, you’ll increase fuel consumption and your cabin won’t reach its optimum level of coldness from the air-con system. You will also be putting undue wear-and-tear on your A/C compressor."

Isabelle Bates