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Many drivers have taken to using fuel-saving tips to cut down on their petrol and diesel spending, with some turning to their air con in the warmer months to save themselves money. The RAC says that using air con, especially when driving in warmer weather, can increase a car’s fuel consumption.
It added that drivers should not use the air con unless they “really have to”.
Instead, many experts advocate for drivers to open their windows when driving to get cooler air in the cabin.
Generally, air con systems take the outside air and then heat or cool it.
This uses much more fuel compared to the lesser-known option of air recirculation.
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When pressed, the button allows the aircon to use the air from inside the car by drawing it through vents.
The button tends to be positioned around the air con dial in most modern cars.
Sarah Tooze, Consumer Editor at CarSite, has warned drivers that overuse of the air con could lead to very expensive problems with the car.
She said: “While there is merit in some of the suggestions, some techniques, such as drafting and coasting, are potentially dangerous for the driver and other road users.
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“Risking an expensive (and potentially fatal) crash in an attempt to save fuel is not worth it.
“Hypermilers advocate turning off the air-con to conserve fuel.”
According to Kwik Fit, air conditioning can use as much as 10 percent, with the effects being particularly noticeable on shorter journeys.
When originally setting off, the air con has to work hard to bring the internal temperature down to a comfortable level.
Halfords is offering a discount on the Fuel Efficiency Pack and customers can now buy it for £10 less. Available at Halfords Autocentres, the Fuel Efficiency Pack is a service where a Halfords technician will clean and remove harmful carbon deposits out of your car’s engine and fuel system using a non-invasive procedure. Book the service now.
However, once the car has cooled enough, motorists can choose to reduce the flow rate, increase the temperature or turn the air con off altogether.
On a long journey, it’s unlikely that the air con will need to be blasting the whole way.
This is why increased fuel consumption caused by using the air con may be more noticeable on a short journey.
Sarah Tooze continued, saying: “However, while keeping the air-con off for long periods may save a small amount of fuel in the short term, it may cause costly problems down the road.
“AC systems are designed to operate 100 percent of the time, so the compressor may seize if it is switched off for long periods, or the joints may dry out and allow the gas to escape.”
According to confused.com, some petrol stations are selling petrol for as low as 149.9p per litre, with diesel drivers also seeing some relief at 167.9p per litre.
Despite this, some forecourts are still profiteering from the fuel and not passing any price drops onto the consumer.
The data shows that the highest price for petrol stands at 199.9p per litre, with diesel even higher at £2.14 for one litre.
Some drivers may be forced to pay these costs if those are the closest petrol stations to them, it could lead to more drivers having to give up their car.
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