How often should the air recirculation mode be switched?

[ClaraAnn]

Switch between air recirculation and fresh air modes every half hour. Below is relevant information about vehicle air circulation: 1. Usage methods: Use recirculation mode in traffic jams and fresh air mode on highways. The application of these modes should be coordinated with air conditioning and heating systems. The fresh air mode allows you to breathe outside air. During prolonged highway driving when the cabin air feels stale and uncomfortable with windows closed, activate fresh air mode to introduce ventilation. If winter heating feels too intense, turn off the blower and engage fresh air mode to maintain cabin temperature while getting fresh air for improved comfort. 2. Working principle: Recirculation mode closes the airflow passage between cabin and exterior. Without the blower, no air circulates. When the blower operates in this mode, it only draws air from inside the cabin, creating internal air circulation.

[OKayden]

I've been driving for many years and found that there's no fixed time for switching between internal and external air circulation—it mainly depends on road conditions and the environment. On the highway, keeping the external circulation on for long periods is great for letting fresh air in, but I switch to internal circulation for a few seconds every half hour or so to avoid odor buildup or excessive wind noise. In the city with frequent traffic jams, I often use internal circulation to avoid exhaust fumes, but I switch to external circulation every 15 minutes to let some air in, otherwise the car gets stuffy, especially in summer when it’s easy to feel drowsy. It's best to combine this with dashboard reminders—some cars automatically prompt you after driving for a while. I prefer manual control, developing a rhythm, but staying flexible and not too rigid about it.

[KeiraLynn]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I believe switching between internal and external air circulation should be based on air quality. Generally, it's recommended to alternate every certain period, like changing every half hour or so; external circulation brings in fresh air, but when encountering smoggy weather, you should quickly switch back to internal circulation to protect your health. I've tested it myself—keeping internal circulation on for too long can cause carbon dioxide levels inside the car to rise, making people drowsy, which is unsafe. I usually switch to internal circulation before entering tunnels or industrial areas and switch back to external afterward, ensuring smoother breathing and better fuel consumption control. Normally, if the temperature difference between inside and outside the car becomes too large, adjust it promptly. Developing this habit isn't difficult.

[SanHarley]

When driving, I usually switch between the recirculation and fresh air modes every 20 to 30 minutes. Doing it too frequently is unnecessary and bothersome; but keeping it on recirculation for too long, say over an hour, can lead to poor air quality inside the car, causing dizziness and affecting safety. On rainy or extremely cold days, use fresh air mode more often to prevent window fogging; when the air outside is clean, switch to fresh air for ventilation, and switch back to recirculation when pollution is heavy to protect your health. It's a simple operation—just press a button—but the key is to adjust according to driving conditions rather than sticking to rigid rules.