Drivers urged to use little-known car button to save fuel this weekend

Motorists have been urged to press one simple button found on every car dashboard to save fuel as temperatures soar in hot weather throughout the UK this weekend. Petrol and diesel owners have been told to punch down on one particular switch, which is located next to the other heating switches on the dashboard.

In standard mode, air conditioning will usually pull air from outside the vehicle and cool it before pumping it out to drivers in the cabin. This process takes time and will use up small amounts of extra petrol and diesel. However, one switch will cool existing air already in the cabin, speeding up the process and not wasting fuel in the heatwave.

LeaseLoco explained: "Pressing the recirculation button in your car while the aircon is on will mean that your car will reuse the cool air already inside instead of constantly pulling new, hot air from outside.”

It comes as the UK is in the middle of an extraordinary June heatwave with temperatures set to rise even further over the weekend.

The Met Office has predicted temperatures could hit 30C on Friday before hitting a scorching 33C on Saturday.

The RAC explained: "Once the air conditioning is blowing cold, close all the windows and switch to (pre-cooled recirculated air.

"You can now open the upper air vents and adjust the flow as required.

"Most advanced 'climate control' air conditioning systems allow you to set and maintain a constant temperature within the car."

Turning on the air conditioning may seem like the only way road users can cool down in the heat but the tool could use up to 10% more fuel.

Instead, drivers embarking on short trips around town may be better served by opening their car windows.

This is usually more fuel-efficient, unless drivers intend on driving at over 40mph.

At this stage, the drag created by opening the window is thought to offset and even exceed any savings made by not using the air con.