A motoring expert has warned drivers against pressing a button in their car without properly understanding what it does.
The YouTuber Chequanlaosi recently posted a video in which he explained when drivers should use their vehicle’s recirculating air function.
In the video, Chequanlaosi claimed that using it in the summer can help to reduce the driver from exposure to a toxic chemical.
He explained: “In the summer, the car will emit formaldehyde after being exposed to the sun.
“After we get in the car and turn on the air conditioner, we must turn on the outer circulation for 10 minutes, and then turn on the inner circulation after the formaldehyde is exhausted.”
Formaldehyde is a chemical used in various processes and is a byproduct of combustion, turning into a gas at room temperature.
Whilst it may be hard to detect, exposure to formaldehyde may lead to coughing, headaches and eye, nose or throat irritation, increasing the risk of accidents behind the wheel.
Chequanlaosi advised that, when driving in heavy traffic, motorists should always switch back to recirculation in order to prevent any fumes from entering the vehicle.
The video also highlighted that knowing when to turn on and off the recirculation function on an air conditioning system is vital when driving in the rain.
Chequanlaosi noted that many drivers use the wrong settings in wet weather, leading to the windscreen misting up.
He explained: “On rainy days, turn on the air conditioner, turn on the suction, turn on the outer circulation, and at the same time turn on the defogging function [on] the front windshield so that there will be no more fog on the glass.”
With 78,000 likes and over 2,000 comments, many viewers were thankful for the tip.
One commenter wrote: “As someone who sits in heavy traffic 20 hours a week this is really good to know.”
Another joked: “He is the only person who actually reads the car manual.”