Can I use the air circulation system without turning on the AC?
2 Answers
You can use the air circulation system without turning on the AC. The air circulation system can operate independently and is not related to the AC. Here is more information about the air circulation system: 1. The external circulation mode allows airflow between the outside and inside of the vehicle. The fan draws air from outside, and even if the fan is off, air will still flow into the cabin while driving, providing fresh air. 2. The internal circulation mode closes the airflow channel between the inside and outside of the vehicle. Without the fan, there is no airflow circulation. When the fan is on, it only draws air from inside the vehicle, creating an internal airflow cycle.
Of course, not using the AC and only relying on the air recirculation switch is my daily habit. When the weather is cool, I just use the fan for ventilation—pressing the exterior circulation button lets fresh air flow in without feeling stuffy. It’s much more fuel-efficient than opening the windows, especially at high speeds where wind noise becomes unbearable. Exterior circulation is quiet and saves money. When air quality is poor, I switch to interior circulation, like in heavy city traffic with exhaust fumes or dusty roads, to keep the cabin air fresh. I always remind myself not to keep interior circulation on too long to avoid CO2 buildup, which can cause dizziness, so I switch to exterior circulation every half hour. This little trick makes driving comfortable without draining the battery, and it lasts longer too. On summer or rainy days, I open the exterior circulation to detect humidity before closing the windows to avoid wet seats—super convenient.
