Drivers warned not to press misunderstood button this winter

There's one button in your car that experts are urging you to avoid this winter, as they warn it can be 'harmful' to use as the temperatures drop.

As we enter the frosty grips of winter, it feels like we’ve all absolutely thrown ourselves into every hack we can to stay as warm as we can.

From resisting putting the heating on at home to making sure we’re kitted out with the right coats, this weather really seems to require us Brits to be absolutely on it – even if it’s completely unpredictable.

And making sure our cars are up to scratch for winter is also rather important, especially when you realise you’re probably about to be late for work because of the state of your windscreen.

But as we go through all those hacks to get ourselves driving on the road, we need to steer clear of the ones that aren’t the smartest idea.

Experts have warned against the usual trick. (Getty Stock)

The mysterious button

So, when you’re desperately trying to clear up that windshield on the cold, foggy mornings, you should apparently be keeping away from a common go-to.

Eden Tires & Maintenance previously warned against reaching for the ‘air-recirculation button’ on your dashboard.

This works by controlling the flow of air within the vehicle’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. As the name suggests, it works by recirculating the air within the car, rather than sucking in fresh air from the outside.

You can identify it via its icon, which features the outline of a car with a horizontal swooping ‘U’-shaped arrow inside of it.

You might think it's the right one to be using. (Getty Stock)

Experts’ warning

The Derby-based car experts essentially claim that while you might be thinking this button is the best option, it can actually end up doing more harm than good.

They told US Times Post: “Basically when it’s cold outside, make sure the recirculation button is turned off.

“The recirculation button is best used in warm weather in conjunction with the air conditioning.

“In cooler weather, it doesn’t have many benefits and can even be harmful.”

They also claim that the default ‘Fresh Air’ mode works to push air outside through your heater, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on your front screen.

“Your windows fog up much quicker and stay that way while you drive,” the experts explained.

So by keeping this button off, moist and cold air is less likely to condense and blur your vision. On top of all that, the experts even suggest that too much use of the button might have a negative impact on your health.

They claim that the increased humidity from recirculated air could cause the inside of the car to become stuffy.

And this could not only make you feel a bit grim and gross, but it could even cause drowsiness – potentially risking your safety.

So, the company recommends that you turn off the button and allow the car to draw air from the outside through the heater core.

Not only will this warm up the windshield, but it will work to dehumidify it too.