Nobody likes the thought of hefty petrol bills, and there's a simple thing you can do to prevent rising costs. According to the AA (Automobile Association), there are changes you can make daily to reduce your fuel consumption, and some of them are easier than you think and can make a big difference.
One of them involves pressing a button that you likely use often, as you may not realise exactly what it does when it's constantly turned on. Experts say switching off a commonly used button is key to cutting petrol prices, and ensuring you can use your car without adding too much to your bills.
It's not the only piece of petrol advice to be issued lately either. Recently, it was also confirmed some drivers could face additional petrol charges this year.
The conversation recently came up on Reddit, when a social media user asked: "Does turning the air conditioning (AC) up use meaningfully more fuel? I have a 2007 Camry.
"Just wondering, because if not, I'll just switch it on all the time." The question quickly got people talking.
One person replied, saying: "I used to do 1600km round trips all the time. The amount of extra fuel used was negligible.
"Seriously, it was that small of a difference. Racing between traffic lights had more impact than the AC."
Another added: "There are lots of figures thrown about, but many reckon it uses about an extra 5% of fuel by having the AC on. I live in Brisbane, and I'm happy to sacrifice an extra 25km per tank in order to swan around in a cool atmosphere and not sweat."
A third replied: "Difference in a car that age would be marginal. My first Commodore (80s built) would use 10% more fuel with the AC on though."
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "I look at the fuel usage on my dash and it has never made a difference from summer to winter, and I leave the AC on all through summer.
"Something funny though, my wife's grandparents over in England never turn their radio on because they think it drains the battery quicker."
On the AA website, various tips are shared regarding how people can reduce fuel consumption but, it turns out, pressing one simple button may help. Ensuring the AC is turned off when not needed could make a big difference.
The advice reads: "Though you should never drive around at an uncomfortable temperature, be mindful of not using your car’s air conditioning or climate control more than you need to, as it could have a very negative impact on fuel economy.
"Having it turned on puts a greater strain on the engine and subsequently uses more fuel. Some cars also have a ‘driver only’ setting for the air conditioning if you’re travelling on your own. The same also applies to other electrical appliances in the car, such as heated seats and demisters."
It also adds: "Keeping your car’s engine running while stopped for any length of time is not only bad for the environment, but it also means you will use more fuel too, harming fuel economy significantly.
"So, if you’re parked up, avoid leaving the engine idling and turn it off to maintain fuel supplies. Similarly, if you have a newer car with stop/start technology, have this turned on so that it automatically cuts in and out when you’re in traffic or waiting in traffic jams."