The button that can save you fuel
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.