How to Turn on the Car Air Conditioning Recirculation Mode?
2 Answers
Start the vehicle to activate the air conditioning for cooling or heating. For automatic air conditioning, simply turn the adjustment knob, and the display will show the temperature. Turn on the A/C switch to activate the blower. Rotate the knob—typically, the left side is for cooling (blue indicator) and the right side is for heating (red indicator). Adjust the air circulation mode, which includes external circulation and internal recirculation. Use recirculation for cooling and external circulation for ventilation. You can also adjust the air vent direction to direct airflow toward the occupants, the windshield, or the footwell.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the air recirculation button is usually located on the control panel - it's the one with the car icon and an arrow. When you press it and the indicator light comes on, the recirculation mode is activated, effectively blocking outside exhaust fumes and dust. This is particularly useful in heavy traffic or when passing by landfills. However, remember not to keep recirculation on for more than 30 minutes continuously, as CO₂ levels inside the car may rise and cause drowsiness. My routine is to activate recirculation first when starting the car in summer for faster cooling, then switch to fresh air mode once the temperature drops. Many newer models now feature automatic systems that switch between modes based on air quality, but manual control remains the most reliable. One important tip: always turn off recirculation before shutting down the engine to prevent musty odors when you next start the car.
