Drivers are unknowingly sitting on money-saving features every time they get behind the wheel, says a garage owner and motoring expert.
Modern cars are packed with tucked away buttons and hidden switches – designed to make your drive more comfortable and cheaper.
Yet, many go unused simply because drivers aren’t sure what they do, where they are on the dashboard and how they can also make driving more cost-effective.
According to garage owner and motoring expert, Rebecca Pullan, spokesperson for The Motor Ombudsman, these five key, often-overlooked functions, can help cut hundreds in fuel costs and save drivers serious money.
Have a good look and get to know your car's functions when you aren't rushing to drive anywhere. Five minutes at home could save you a fortune on fuel economy over the years.
Here are some of the most overlooked buttons worth pressing:
1. Air recirculation
This button, showing an arrow looping inside the car, limits the amount of outside air entering the cabin, creating a sealed environment that recirculates the air already inside.
“By doing this, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool incoming warm air, which improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption," explains Rebecca.
"This makes the cabin cool down faster on hot days, enhancing comfort while easing the load on your vehicle’s AC.”
2. Cruise control
Cruise control isn’t just to ease long, motorway journeys.
“Maintaining a steady speed on dual carriageways and motorways avoids unnecessary acceleration and braking,” says Rebecca.
“This smoother driving style uses less fuel and reduces engine strain, which may save money on both fuel and maintenance over time.”
3. Eco mode
Eco mode adjusts throttle response and gear changes to favour efficiency over performance.
“It can also reduce the power used by air conditioning, which lowers engine load,” Rebecca explains. “While acceleration may feel slower, using Eco mode regularly can help drivers get more miles from each tank or charge for those with EVs.”
4. Stop/start system
Many modern cars have a stop/start function that automatically turns off the engine when you’re stationary, then restarts when you press the clutch or accelerator.
“This cuts unnecessary idling, which reduces fuel use and emissions – particularly in stop-start traffic,” says Rebecca.
Recommended reading:
- DVLA warning for older drivers to reapply for licences
- Car button parents are forgetting to press could lead to a £5,000 fine
- Traffic lights stuck on red? An expert shares their tips
Heating
Many drivers don’t realise how to use their car’s heating effectively.
“If your car has dual or multi-zone climate control, turn off or lower the heating in zones you’re not using - for example, if the passenger seat or the back seats are empty,” explains Rebecca.
“This reduces the demands placed on the system, making it more energy efficient.
“And if your car has heated seats, using these instead of full cabin heating can be even more efficient, particularly in electric vehicles, as it draws less power from the battery and can help preserve range.”
Share