DRIVERS could save money and even some sweat thanks to an often overlooked button on their vehicle’s dashboard.
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, many car owners on long drives will likely rely on their air conditioning to keep their vehicle comfortable.
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Of course, any driver will know that using the AC costs money indirectly – as it requires energy to operate, which impacts a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
But by using the little-known air recirculation button, drivers can cool their car more quickly and efficiently.
Usually found near your other AC and heat controls, the air recirculation feature recirculates the air inside the car instead of drawing in fresh air from outside.
Using the button, which depicts an outline of a car with a looping arrow inside, is particularly beneficial in hot weather when you’re trying to cool down your car quickly.
According to Christian Brothers Automotive, an auto repair and maintenance service, using the air recirculation feature will help the AC cool the vehicle’s interior quickly.
Instead of constantly pulling in warm air from outside and working to cool it, the climate control system will have an easier time cooling down a smaller quantity of air.
What’s more, the air recirculation button helps with fuel efficiency, according to Tabitha Ruhl, manager of Joplin Transmission and Auto Center in Missouri.
Speaking to Nexstar’s KSNF/KODE, she said: “Cars are usually more fuel-efficient when the air conditioner recirculates interior air.
“This is because keeping the same air cool takes less energy than continuously cooling hot air from outside.”
Better yet, for allergy sufferers, recirculating the air inside the car can keep pollen and pollutants out.
Using the recirculation button in combination with a clean filter – designed to catch allergens and pollutants – can make being inside a car the best place to be for hayfever sufferers.
To that end, it’s perhaps a good idea to turn it on when sitting in heavy traffic to reduce the amount of exhaust coming in through the car vents.
This comes as drivers who flaunt a certain car accessory could soon find themselves in serious legal trouble.
A new law is cracking down on items that many consider tacky, obscene, or just plain gross.
The law, backed by Republican lawmakers, expands rules around public decency.
Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 270 in Idaho this week, immediately making it illegal to publicly display fake breasts and other explicit novelty items.
The legislation updates Idaho’s indecent exposure law, which already prohibited showing genitals in public.
Now, the list includes female breasts, male breasts modified to appear feminine, fake breasts, and any item or toy shaped like genitals, Idaho Capital Sun reported.
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
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