AN expert mechanic has revealed a little-known car button that could save you hundreds.
Scotty Kilmer took to his YouTube channel to share the handy hack to help make your motor last longer.
YouTube/ @scottykilmerScotty Kilmer revealed a little-known button that could save you hundreds on car maintenance[/caption]
YouTube/ @scottykilmerMarked with the letter A surrounded by an arrow, it turns off the car’s automatic stop/start system[/caption]
Scotty explained that the automatic start/stop system that some modern cars make use of could actually lead to greater wear and tear.
The feature automatically turns off your car’s engine when you come to a halt then starts it up again when you need to move off.
It is meant to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, but Scotty called it “one of the dumbest, most dangerous things” on modern cars.
He said: “At the max you might get two or three per cent better gas mileage.
“Not only does it make the cars more expensive to build, it also makes them wear out faster.”
This stings drivers several ways, as the initial price of the car is pushed up by increased manufacturing costs, while expensive maintenance is needed more frequently and the car’s life is shortened.
Fortunately, though, Scotty showed viewers how to turn off the damaging feature.
All you have to do is find the relevant button on your dashboard.
It is marked with a capital A surrounded by a circular arrow with the word “off” beneath it.
Once you press this, a small light should appear under the button, indicating that the feature has been switched off.
Scotty added: “Most of the wear on your engine occurs when you start the car.
“Do you really want to be starting and stopping your car all the time?
“It will wear the engine out faster, it will wear the starter out faster, it will wear the battery out faster.”
Social media commenters were stunned by the revelation.
One wrote: “I absolutely hate these start/stop stupid systems.
“It was a poor idea that wears components out faster.”
Another added: “Thanks again for being so honest, Scotty. We all appreciate it.”
It comes after Scotty explained why EV sales are dropping while hybrids see a boom.
Meanwhile, drivers were warned about a ULEZ scam that could see them conned out of thousands.
YouTube/ @scottykilmerWhen the light is on you know it’s turned off[/caption]
YouTube/ @scottykilmerNot doing so can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine, battery and starter motor, according to Scotty[/caption]