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Drivers risk ‘increasing fuel consumption’ by pressing button found in every UK car


Petrol and diesel owners risk “increasing fuel consumption” by pressing a common button found in vehicles across the country.

Experts at specialist insurance broker ChoiceQuote reveal that reducing air conditioning usage could have a massive impact on the amount of petrol and diesel used.

They stress pressing the heating tool would “use engine power” which in turn would burn fuel that could otherwise be left in the tank.

ChoiceQuote explained: “Both air conditioning and heating use engine power and therefore increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

“Therefore, try to dress for the weather even when in your car.”

In older vehicles, heating settings are usually located on the car’s centre console just above the gear stick.

However, in more modern cars these modes can be altered using settings located on the infotainment display.

AutoTrader, the leading online used and new car marketplace, has warned using air conditioning could have an impact.

They stressed the system could “increase vehicle emissions” by using fuel to cool down the car.

To boost air conditioning efficiency, road users have urged motorists to set it to the lowest setting and simply adjust the fan.

Switching the air conditioning to a higher temperature setting will force it to re-heat the air which will require more fuel.

Meanwhile, turning off the air conditioning a few miles before reaching a destination can also help save fuel as the fans will continue to circulate cool air around the cabin anyway.

Turning off the air conditioning automatic stop/start feature can also help in another simple tip to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.

AutoTrader added: “Clean out your cabin air filter to make your car’s A/C more effective – this may or may not be an easy task, depending on where the air filter is placed in your car.

“In many cars, you can easily access it behind the glove compartment, however, if that’s not the case for your car, you may need to get it cleaned professionally.”

However, AutoTrader stresses that road users should not be tempted to open their windows to cool down instead

According to the specialists, this can “create drag” and hike up the fuel used compared to turning on the air conditioning.

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