How to switch between internal and external circulation in the Qashqai?
3 Answers
The method to switch between internal and external circulation in the Qashqai: The internal and external circulation buttons are located below the vehicle's central control screen. The internal circulation button is marked with a small car icon containing a rotating arrow inside; pressing it once activates the internal circulation. The external circulation button is marked with an arrow passing from the outside into the small car icon; pressing it once activates the external circulation. The Qashqai is a compact SUV introduced by Dongfeng Nissan, with dimensions of 4401mm in length, 1837mm in width, and 1593mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2646mm. It is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 111kw, and paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission (simulating 7 gears).
I just started driving the Qashqai not long ago, and switching between recirculation and fresh air modes is super easy. Just look for the small button on the AC panel with the arrow-in-and-out-of-car icon. Press it once to switch to recirculation mode—this means the air inside the car circulates on its own, keeping outside smells or dust from getting in. Press it again to switch back to fresh air mode, bringing in some fresh air. During my daily commute, when stuck in city traffic with heavy exhaust fumes, I immediately use recirculation to avoid headaches. On highways or during rain, I switch to fresh air mode for ventilation to prevent fogging. Using recirculation mode while the AC is on can save a bit of fuel since it doesn’t constantly heat or cool incoming outside air. Just remember not to use recirculation mode all the time, as it can make the cabin stuffy—I recommend switching modes periodically during drives. The Qashqai’s design is very user-friendly, with the button placed near the steering wheel for easy access.
When driving the Qashqai, I noticed that the key to switching between the air conditioning's internal and external circulation is the dedicated button on the panel—just press it to toggle. Internal circulation blocks external pollution, making it ideal for hazy days or near landfills, protecting respiratory health. External circulation draws in outside air, which is fresher but may carry dust, and is better suited for high-speed driving. This mechanism also affects defogging: on cold days when the windshield fogs up, using external circulation with hot air clears it faster, while switching to internal circulation prevents re-frosting when the interior is humid. The operation is intuitive, and the Qashqai's system automatically remembers the last setting, maintaining it upon startup. However, it's advisable to adjust based on road conditions to extend the air conditioning's lifespan and avoid overburdening the compressor, which can lead to extra fuel consumption. During routine maintenance, it's also good to check if this button functions smoothly.
