The recirculation button is a total game changer, especially in heat waves.

Hot temperatures are nice for days at the beach, not so much for road trips.

This often-overlooked button is located on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Modern car climate control system close up view

Credit: Getty Images

It typically has an icon of a car with a sideways U-shaped arrow inside of it.

What does the air recirculation button in cars do?

What are the best and worst times to use this feature?

The air recirculation button helps keep your car’s cabin cool in hot weather.

That’s because it traps moisture inside the car, which in the winter can lead to foggy windows.

This actually helps keep your windows and windshield clear from fog while you drive.

How does using the air circulation button on your car save gas?

The harder your AC has to work, the more fuel your car will consume.

Recirculating the air inside the cabin takes much less energy than constantly cooling down the air from outside.

Of course, not running the AC at all is even better for it, not to mention free.