Drivers only just realising 'A' button on dashboard instantly slashes petrol costs

Drivers are only just realising that there's a button you can press on the dashboard which instantly lowers your petrol costs.

While modern cars are chock full of buttons, levers and dials which can feel bewildering at times, there are a few it's worth getting acquainted with because they can save you so much money in the long run - not just the aircon recirculate button.

Swansway Motor Group is now urging drivers to be aware of a button which can reduce your petrol and diesel costs each time you drive.

With the average cost of petrol and diesel having risen sharply in July according to the latest CPI inflation figures, there's never been a better time to trim some of your fuel costs down as much as you can.

The button often looks like an 'A' with a small circular arrow and is usually located somewhere on or near the steering wheel.

The button automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a stop, and then restarts it once you take your foot off the brake again.

This is useful while waiting in heavy traffic or at red lights, because it massively cuts the amount of petrol you waste at these times, cutting your petrol and diesel costs as a result.

Swansway Motor Group said: "Dashboards are often full of buttons which mean very little to drivers, but motor experts Swansway Motor Group are alerting drivers of one small button which could save them plenty of fuel.

"Swansway explains that the small button on your dashboard with a small circular arrow or 'A' symbol is a feature called the engine auto stop/start function.

"The button which helps improve fuel economy and reduce emissions automatically shuts down the engine when a vehicle reaches a complete stop, once your foot comes off the brake to move again the engine is reignited.

This little button can be turned off and on at drivers' discretion but could save you fuel when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs.

"With fuel prices rising the auto stop/start function is a little button with a big purpose. Drivers will benefit from saving fuel and reduce the negative emissions their vehicles produce which is good for everyone."

The Office for National Statistics has issued its latest Consumer Price Index figures for July as it revealed that inflation has increased to 3.8%, the highest rate since January 2024.

The average price of petrol rose by 2p per litre between June and July, and the average diesel price by 2.9p per litre over the period, the data showed.

The RAC said that the average price of a litre of unleaded at the end of July was 135p - up 0.85p from 134.15p at the start of the month, while diesel rose by 1.64p from 141.21p to 142.85p.

The increases follow respective rises of 2p and 3p in the previous month which means the price of petrol has gone up almost 3p and diesel by 4.5p since 1 June. Consequently, the cost of filling a 55-litre family car now stands at £74.26 for unleaded and at £78.57 for diesel.