A motoring expert has urged all Brits to follow a simple set of rules that can help to warm up the interior of their car in a matter of seconds during cold winter weather.
With low temperatures experienced across the country over the past few weeks, many drivers know the discomfort of getting into a chilly vehicle that only warms up towards the end of their journey.
To help drivers cut the time needed to raise the temperature, the motoring expert behind the TikTok page Capturing Cars posted a video, stating that drivers should start by turning on the recirculation button.
He advised: “The first thing, of course, that you want to do is turn the temperature up. Whatever type of air conditioning you’ve got, turn the temperature up and the fans, of course.
“The next thing you want to do is hit this button here. What this is doing is shutting off the vents outside of the car and recirculating the air inside the car. What that means is each circulation of the air that’s in the car will get warmer on each pass.”
A function found on all heating and ventillation systems in vehicles, recirculation lets motorists decide whether they want to source air from inside or outside of their car.
Whilst drivers should avoid using the recirculation button when they are demisting the windscreen, with the air outside being much drier, the feature can help to quickly raise the temperature.
This is because the same air already inside the vehicle is constantly being passed through the heater, getting progressively warmer.
Later in the video, the expert recommended that drivers also switch on the air conditioning, which can help to dry the air.
He added: “The second thing you need on is your air conditioning. A lot of people think that air conditioning is for hot weather, but it’s not. It does what it says on the tin – air conditioning conditions the air, no matter the temperature.
“So, air conditioning on, recirculation on, temperature up, and adjust the fan speed accordingly. That is the best way to heat your car quickly this winter.”
No matter the method motorists use to warm up their vehicle, drivers who avoid taking to the roads without raising the temperature can lead to serious consequences.
Motorists exposed to cold temperatures could get much more easily distracted, running the risk of longer reaction times and higher chances of accidents.
However, drivers who tackle cold weather by wrapping up in thick layers could also be issued an on-the-spot fine of £100 if the clothing prevents motorists from accessing the vehicle’s controls.
