The Secret Car Button That Cools the Cabin in Seconds and Saves Fuel
There's a mysterious button found on the dashboard of every car. While its purpose remains unknown to the majority of drivers, it can be a lifesaver during the scorching summer heat. By properly utilizing the 'Air Conditioning Circulation' button, it's possible to both chill your vehicle in mere seconds and save an entire tank of fuel annually.
As the summer holiday season approaches and fuel prices remain high globally, drivers are being prompted to seek out new methods of saving money.
As the legendary figure in the automotive world, Jeremy Clarkson, once put it, 'Driving as if there's a big, rusty nail protruding from the gas pedal' is the most effective way to maximize fuel efficiency. Yet, beyond your driving style, a small button inside your vehicle can also contribute to your budget.
In the heat of summer, the interior of a car left in the sun for hours can turn into something akin to an oven.
Many drivers make the mistake of immediately cranking up the air conditioning as soon as they get in the car; however, this is not the most effective way to cool down the vehicle. Here are the steps you should follow for efficient and quick cooling:
Step One (Ventilation): When you first get in the car, slightly open the windows and the sunroof if you have one. Adjust the direction of the air conditioning towards the footwells. According to the laws of physics, the cool and dense air will fill the lower parts of the car, while the scorching hot air inside will rise and escape through the windows you've opened.
Step Two (Magic Button): After a few minutes, close the windows completely and press the 'internal air circulation' (recirculation) button on the air conditioning panel.
When the indoor air circulation mode is activated, the air conditioning system no longer attempts to draw in and cool the outdoor air, which can reach temperatures of 35-40 degrees.
Instead, it continually circulates the air that has already cooled down inside the cabin.
The vehicle's air conditioning compressor operates via a belt system connected to the engine, imposing a significant load on it. When the readily available cold air inside is utilized, there's no need for the compressor and the entire system to work frantically. This situation provides a relaxation to the engine, as if it's coasting downhill rather than constantly struggling uphill. As the engine is less strained, it consumes less fuel.
At first glance, this method provides a modest increase in fuel economy, around 1% to 2%.
However, this small percentage can surprisingly accumulate into a significant amount over the long haul. An owner of a standard SUV or sedan, consuming an average of 50 liters of fuel per week, could save approximately 100 dollars annually (roughly equivalent to a full tank of gas) simply by utilizing this button correctly. Not too shabby for just pressing a single button. Moreover, this button also safeguards your health by preventing you from inhaling the exhaust fumes of an old diesel vehicle ahead of you or in tunnels.
Just like every magical formula, this button also has its limitations.
You should turn off the internal air circulation mode in the following situations:
In cold weather, activating this mode can cause the windows to fog up quickly. It's always better to get fresh air from outside during winter.
The constant circulation of the same air increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the cabin, leading to fatigue, sleepiness, and loss of concentration in the driver.
Golden Rule: Particularly on long journeys and when there are many passengers in the car, you should allow fresh oxygen to enter by switching the air conditioner back to 'outside air' mode for a few minutes at regular intervals. Afterwards, you can reactivate the button to continue saving energy.
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