Is the price of fuel pushing your buttons? There’s another button in your car that you might want to press to help save fuel. Here’s where you can find it.

What’s the button?

Your car’s air-conditioning and heating system draws air from outside or inside the car. When you press the recirculation button, air is drawn from inside, recycling the air inside the cabin instead of pulling in air from outside.

The recirculation button’s other, albeit smaller role, is lesser-known and that’s to decrease the workload on the A/C. This is what can reduce energy usage and, subsequently, lower fuel consumption.

So, where can I find the recirculation button?

Look for the button with the arrow icon circulating in the car (pictured below). This is the recirculation button, typically found on the climate control panel in the centre of the dashboard, near the A/C icon.

How much money will I save?

Drumroll… the recirculation button. Were you waiting for a fancier name? Bear with us; it’s what this button can do that really impresses.

Full disclosure: this isn’t a magical button. You will still unfortunately need to visit a servo again in your lifetime. However, pressing the recirculation button means your engine won’t have to work as hard which, in turn, can be better for your fuel tank.

RAA Fuel Expert Peter Nattrass says while the recirculation button is unlikely to save you big dollars at the pump, every drop of fuel does count long term.

Remember, how much money and fuel you save depends on a range of factors, including the type of vehicle you drive and your driving habits.

For instance, turning on the air-conditioner, especially in vehicles manufactured before 2018, can have an impact on petrol usage. The extra fuel used can range from 1.3 to 7.5 per cent while driving and as high as 13 per cent when idling, according to researchers for the National Academy of Science Transportation Research Board.

In fact, Peter says safer driving practices, like not slamming your foot on the accelerator when the lights turn green, can also result in up to a 30 per cent reduction in fuel.

Make use of the button before winter!

Using the recirculation button in hot weather is particularly effective as it allows the car to cool down more efficiently.

According to RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the recirculation button shouldn’t be used regularly on cold or rainy days.

“This can cause windows to fog up and trap humidity in the cabin which can be dangerous and reduce your visibility of the road and other road users,” Charles says.

If you’re looking for other ways to save on fuel, we’ve listed seven tips here.

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In this video, we show you how to make your wheels sparkle.

Time to wash the rest of the car. Watch our video about the two-bucket method, which can reduce the risk of scratching your car while washing it.

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Heading on a road trip but concerned about the price of petrol?

While the price at the pump is out of our control, there are a few ways you can save on fuel when you’re on the road.

1. Drive smooth – Save up to 30 per cent

Slamming your foot on the accelerator as soon as the lights go green isn’t just unnecessary, it’s also a waste of fuel. In fact, accelerating and braking aggressively can lower fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

Instead, gradually accelerate until you reach the required speed and brake earlier so you’re gentle on the pedal. This will help save fuel and reduce wear and tear on your engine, brakes and tyres.

2. Keep it cruisy – save up to 5 per cent

Do you have cruise control but never use this nifty function? You’re not alone. A survey by mycar Tyre & Auto found that three-quarters of Australian cars have cruise control, but just 32 per cent of motorists use the driving tool.

With sky-high petrol prices, it might be time to switch it on, particularly if you’re heading away these school holidays. Where possible and safe, use cruise control on higher-speed roads to help maintain a more consistent speed and reduce acceleration. Cruise control can reduce highway fuel use by up to five per cent.

3. Lighten the load – save up to 24 per cent

Does your family pack the entire house, including the kitchen sink, into the car or caravan before heading off on a road trip? A car packed to its maximum with a roof pod or roof box can increase fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent.

Before leaving the driveway, it might be a good idea to re-think what you’re carrying in your vehicle while on the road. Aim to pack as light as possible and only take items that you’ll need while you’re away. Buying your groceries locally is also A great way to support regional communities and get you on the road earlier.

4. Are those roof racks required? Save up to 15 per cent

Are those roof racks more of a decorative car feature than a platform to carry bulky items? When you’re not using roof racks, it’s best to remove them as they increase aerodynamic drag.

Taking kayaks or other large items on your roof racks these holidays? Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unload any bulky items before heading out to explore. Carrying unnecessary weight, especially on the roof, increases both drag and fuel consumption.

5. Check your tyres – save one per cent per 1 PSI

Underinflated tyres can increase rolling resistance when you’re on the road and can reduce fuel efficiency. Each one PSI below the recommended tyre pressure can increase fuel use by one per cent. So, before you hit the road, double check your tyres are inflated correctly.

Equally, don’t over-inflate your tyres as this can impact tyre wear and safety.

Check your owner’s manual to find the right pressure for your tyres. There may also be a sticker inside the driver’s door, in the glove box or on the fuel cap displaying the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

6. Shop around

Don’t just buy fuel at the closest petrol station – it could be cheaper if you shop around. Drivers can download the RAA app and check the real-time price of fuel at all petrol stations across South Australia. On top of that, it also shows which retailers have fuel available, so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Australia has very stringent fuel quality standards so you can be confident that the fuel you buy from small and independent fuel retailers will be up to the task.

7. Service and save

Keeping your car maintained and having it regularly serviced can help you save and stay safe on the road. A dirty air filter or old oil can make the engine work harder, because an engine that can’t breathe easy or move freely will use more fuel and could make your vehicle less safe.

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Several years ago, drivers were faced with the exhausting task of turning on the windscreen wipers when it rained.

That’s all changed with many cars now fitted with sensors that instruct the wipers to turn on automatically when rain falls on the windscreen.

How does it work?

The rain sensor module attached to the inside of the windscreen contains LED infrared light transmitters.

The infrared light is directed at the windscreen at an angle sharp enough that the glass becomes a mirror, reflecting all the light back to photodiode receivers in the sensor – none of the infrared light passes through the windscreen glass.

However, when drops of water fall on the windscreen, this process is disrupted and some of the infrared light escapes through the water droplets, meaning less is received by the photodiodes.

When the photodiodes detect the reduction of light they’re receiving, they send a message via electronic gizmos to instruct the wiper motor to swing into action.

The more water splashed on the windscreen, the greater the loss of light signal received by the photodiodes, and the busier the wipers become.

The sensor sits in the area of the windscreen swept by the wipers, so it knows when the water has been cleared and the wipers can be switched off.

To ensure there’s no air between the sensor module and the windscreen that could affect the infrared light transmission, the sensor sits on a gel pad.  

Infrared light is used rather than visible light because infrared isn’t affected by other light sources, such as the sun and oncoming vehicle headlights. It’s also invisible to the human eye, so it won’t distract the driver.

Most systems have an override so the wipers can be operated manually if needed.

The first patent for this clever device was filed in1978 by Australian inventor Raymond J Noack, but the system wasn’t fully adopted by carmakers until the mid-1990s.

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We all have a glovebox that’s full of… well, let’s be honest, what’s even in there?

For me, it’s my car manual, a packet of dried-out wet wipes, some out-of-date sunscreen, and a lone golf ball that probably has a story I’ve forgotten.

While it can be a bit of a junk drawer, your glovebox is your car’s first line of defence in small emergencies. So, what should be in there?

Essentials for the car

• Car manual and logbook: these documents are a lifesaver when it comes to those unfortunate breakdowns or quick checks on maintenance. 
• Pen and notepad: you never know when you might need to jot down a numberplate or share contact details after an incident, so a pen and notepad can come in handy.

Safety and emergency items

• First-aid kit: carrying a first-aid kit is a great idea, but make sure it’s well stocked, and that the contents are haven’t expired.
• Small battery powered torch: a small torch is essential for any night-time emergencies.
• RAA Road Service information: keep your RAA Road Service info, including RAA contact details, in the glove box just in case you can’t access your phone when broken down on the road.

Convenience items

• Wet wipes and tissues: sticky child fingers, fast food spills… these always come in handy. Just make sure they haven’t dried out!
• Hand sanitiser: a necessary inclusion, because… well life.

Optional, nice to have items

• Microfibre cloth: a microfibre cloth is perfect for cleaning the inside windscreen or wiping down the dash.
• Snacks and water: it’s ideal for longer trips to have some non-perishable snacks and water on hand. They’ll keep the kids quiet… for at least 10 minutes!
• A small resealable bag: a few bags can come in handy for rubbish, sticky wrappers or anything messy you don’t want in your footwells.

If you have a random golf ball like me, it can stay if you really want it to, just maybe don’t rely on it in an emergency… unless you’ve run out of coins or tokens for the driving range ball machine.

Before your next drive, take five minutes to tidy up your glovebox. You’ll be surprised how a little organisation can turn that junk drawer into a mini lifesaver.

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Some of us may remember when leaded petrol was an option. Lead was added to fuel to improve engine performance and efficiency, as well as a cleaning and lubricating agent – pretty good for the car, but not so great for our health or the environment.

So now we have petrol stations dazzling drivers with a dizzying display of numbers, colours, prices and catchphrases.

Press play to find out what they mean.

The post 91, 95 and 98 fuel – what’s the difference? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Ignorance is bliss – until it comes to your car. Here are five ways you could be damaging your vehicle without realising.

1. Resting your hand on the gear shifter 

Driving, especially on long road trips, can be tiring but now probably isn’t the best time to rest your hands – especially on the gear lever in manual transmission vehicle or the selector lever in a car with an automatic transmission.

Resting your hand on either of these might feel comfortable, but over time it can put unnecessary pressure on the selector linkage and increase wear. It’s also safer to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving. That way, you always have better control of the car.

If one hand is on the shifter instead of the wheel, it can slow your reaction in sudden situations, like swerving to miss something on the road or braking quickly. You can also be fined $228 and a $105 Victims of Crime Levy for driving without having proper control of the vehicle.

Do: While not technically illegal to drive with only one hand on the wheel, it isn’t recommended. So, keep both hands on the wheel until you need to change gears.

2. Turning the steering wheel while stationary

Ever turned the steering wheel while you’re parked with the engine running? This is called ‘dry steering’ and can put extra stress on power steering components and front tyres when they scrub against the pavement.

Turning the wheel occasionally, like when you’re parking, won’t destroy your car but, as a general habit, it’s better to avoid the manoeuvre.

Do: Always ensure the vehicle is moving, even slowly, when turning the steering wheel.

3. Warming up before you drive

We’re not talking about a quick jog around the block but warming up your car each morning before you leave the driveway. Most modern engines don’t need you to warm up before driving. In fact, long idling can waste fuel and cause extra engine wear long-term.

Do: When it comes to most newer cars, all you need to do is start the engine and drive. Just be sure to accelerate gently until the motor has reached the optimal operating temperature.

4. Hitting the pavement (in the worst possible way)

Even a slight bump to the kerb can bend suspension components over time, give you a flat tyre or mess up alignment, safety and dramatically increase tyre wear. Take note: If the steering wheel starts pulling in one direction, this might be why.

Occasional minor contact at very low speed usually isn’t catastrophic, but repeated or hard kerb knocks can affect the safety, handling and long-term reliability of your vehicle.

Do: Use your mirrors and know your surroundings when parking kerbside.

5. Not washing your car regularly

PSA: This is for the one in five sa move readers who responded to a recent sa move poll that they never wash their car.

Washing your car regularly can help prevent rust, scratches and dull paint, all of which can depreciate the value of your vehicle. What’s more, if your vehicle is really dirty, it can obstruct your vision of the road, and you can be fined $414 and have to pay the $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

Remember, how often you should wash your car depends on where you live, how you drive, and where you park. Don’t forget all the nooks and crannies, and pay particular attention to the windows and mirrors. Find out about the five parts of a car that are often neglected during a wash.

Do: As a general rule, wash your car every two weeks. If you park under trees, scrub your vehicle as soon as you notice bird droppings, tree sap or pollen build-up as all three can damage your clear coat if left too long. If you park in a garage, a once-a-month clean may be enough.

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In this video, we show you how the two-bucket method can reduce the risk of scratching your car while washing it.

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