Drivers are using air con button 'all wrong' - and correct way could save you money

An online content creator has shared how a hidden function of the air conditioning button can save you money on fuel - and it turns out that many of us have been using it incorrectly

Are you utilising every button in your car to its full potential? It seems many of us aren't, particularly when it comes to the air conditioning control.

Learning how to use this button correctly could help save money on fuel. TikTok user Arya, known as @Driver_Arya_ on the platform, has suggested that "99% of people don't know the correct usage of the air conditioning button".

She posed the question to her followers: "Do you know what the air conditioning button in your car is for?"

Arya explained: "Many people think that it can only be used to adjust the temperature. Wrong. In fact, it has many hidden functions. If you learn it, not only can it save fuel, it can also save your life at a critical moment."

According to Arya, who often shares 'driving knowledge' online, during summer driving, you should press the AC button and the 'inner loop' button. This causes air to circulate within the car, preventing hot air from outside being drawn in and cooled down, reports the Mirror.

For winter driving, Arya advises turning off the AC button and pressing the outer loop, drawing in fresh air from outside. "This way the glass won't frost easily," she added.

"This is very fuel efficient." Car expert Arya has some tips for driving in the rain: turn on the AC and outer loop, directing airflow to the windscreen to prevent fogging. "So even on rainy days the glass won't fog up," she explained.

However, there's been a mix-up with her advice during traffic jams. While Arya suggests activating the 'outer loop', commenters have noted that the 'inner loop' is likely what she meant to avoid pulling in exhaust fumes from outside.

Eden Tyres' spokesperson also chimed in with winter driving advice, recommending against using the air recirculation button when it's cold. "The air-recirculation button is best to use alongside your AC during warm weather. During cooler weather, it doesn't have many benefits and can even be detrimental."

They further clarified that despite some drivers' beliefs, it's better to keep air recirculation off in the winter. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside the car, which can lead to foggy windows and windshields.