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“A ‘secret’ button in your car can reduce fuel consumption on hot days! Discover how this little-known function can revolutionize your fuel costs and save you money!”
Did you know that there is a secret button in your car that can help reduce fuel consumption? That’s right! And it’s present in practically all cars equipped with air conditioning. This feature, called air recirculation, is not only a cool feature, but also an effective way to save fuel while using your vehicle’s climate control system. Let’s understand how it works and why it can be so important, especially in the summer.
Discover the 'secret' button that reduces fuel consumption
The recirculation button prevents outside air from entering the car's cabin. This means that, once activated, the air conditioning system only works with the air that is already inside the vehicle. According to Renato Romio, head of the Engine and Vehicle Division at the Mauá Institute of Technology, the internal air is cooled successively until it reaches the desired temperature. This means that the air conditioning compressor works less, saving fuel.
Studies show that using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Therefore, any strategy to optimize air conditioning is very welcome!
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Benefits of air recirculation
- Fuel Economy: By reducing the compressor's effort, the car consumes less fuel, which can make a significant difference at the end of the month;
- Faster cooling: With the internal air being reused and cooled successively, the environment reaches the desired temperature more quickly;
- Odor and pollution blocking: Recirculation mode also helps prevent unpleasant odors and pollutants from outside from entering the cabin.
However, not everything is perfect. Excessive use of this function can cause problems, as we will see below.
Precautions when using air recirculation
While the secret button is extremely useful, it needs to be used sparingly. When activated for too long, the air inside the cabin can become “stale” due to the lack of fresh oxygen, which can cause fatigue, lack of concentration and even increase the risk of accidents.
Another problem is that, on cold days or with high humidity, recirculation can cause the windows to fog up, impairing visibility.
Modern systems and intelligent solutions
Nowadays, many modern cars have systems that automatically deactivate recirculation in certain situations. Volkswagen taos, for example, has a sensor that detects when the windows are about to fog up and deactivates the function. Additionally, some models automatically deactivate recirculation when turning on defogging mode.
But if your car doesn't have these technologies, don't worry! Just use recirculation responsibly:
- Use it for short periods, especially on hot days;
- Turn it off when the windows start to fog up or when the air inside the car feels “heavy”.
Tips for reducing fuel consumption in summer
If you want to enjoy the comfort of air conditioning without spending a lot, here are some extra tips:
- Park in covered areas: Whenever possible, leave your car in the shade. This prevents the cabin from overheating and makes it easier for the air conditioning to work;
- Ventilate the car before: Open the windows and let the hot air out before turning on the air conditioning;
- Up-to-date maintenance: Replace the cabin filter regularly and keep the air conditioning system clean to ensure efficiency;
- Direct the air outlets: Adjust the air vents towards the ceiling; cold air is denser and tends to descend naturally;
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Use the air conditioner at mid-range settings once you've reached your desired temperature. This reduces the strain on the compressor and helps save fuel.
The 'secret' button makes a difference!
When used correctly, the recirculation button is a valuable tool for those who want to save money and keep their car in comfortable conditions. It is not only a simple function, but also an ally in reducing fuel consumption and preserving the air conditioning system.
Now that you know the secret, how about trying it out on your next outing? Your wallet (and the environment) will definitely thank you!
