Is it better to use internal or external air circulation when driving in winter?

[Judy]

Whether to use internal or external air circulation when driving with the heater on in winter depends on the specific situation. Here are detailed methods for choosing between internal and external circulation: 1. Turn on internal circulation when the outside air quality is poor, when quickly heating the car interior, or when needing to maintain warmth inside the car. Internal circulation uses the existing air inside the car for circulation. Its purpose is to prevent harmful outside elements from entering while also helping to retain warmth. 2. Use external circulation when the outside air is fresh, or when the car has been using internal circulation for an extended period and requires fresh air. External circulation uses a fan to draw outside air into the car, creating airflow between the outside and inside. Even without the fan running, the movement of the car will naturally draw in outside air, replenishing the fresh air inside. 3. When driving on highways for long periods, prolonged lack of air exchange can lead to stale air inside the car. In such cases, it's necessary to turn on external circulation to ensure timely air renewal.

[DiValeria]

When driving in winter, I often struggle with the choice between recirculation and fresh air mode. Fresh air mode is my preferred option because the outside air is dry, effectively preventing window fogging and providing much clearer visibility. Fogging is a common issue in winter, especially on rainy or snowy days. Using recirculation can cause moisture to accumulate inside the car, blurring vision and increasing risks. Safety comes first—ensuring clear visibility of road conditions helps avoid accidents. Of course, when the car is too cold, you can start with a few minutes of recirculation to quickly warm up, then switch to fresh air mode to maintain air freshness. Don’t forget to regularly check the air conditioning system to ensure it works properly for better defogging, making driving safer and more reassuring.

[DylanLynn]

In winter, I prefer using the recirculation mode as soon as I get in the car. It quickly fills the cabin with warm air, making it cozy within just a few minutes—especially handy for short trips on chilly mornings, saving time. While the fresh air mode is good, it often lets in cold drafts, slowing down the heating process and leaving me shivering. However, staying in recirculation mode for too long can make the air stuffy or unpleasant, potentially causing headaches or fatigue after over an hour of driving. I usually switch to fresh air mode for a quick breath of cooler air after heating for 3-5 minutes, avoiding excessive chill. Finding this balance keeps the entire journey warm yet fresh, significantly improving the driving experience.

[ArabellaDella]

I prefer using the external air circulation mode more often when driving in winter. It continuously brings in fresh air, helping to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities from the car, allowing me to breathe smoothly and stay refreshed. While the internal circulation heats up faster, it leads to stale air, and that stuffy feeling during long drives can be uncomfortable and tiring. When winter humidity is high, external circulation also helps defog and keep the windows clear. I recommend not always locking into internal circulation; pay extra attention during long trips or when there are multiple people in the car, and use external circulation more to maintain a healthy cabin environment, making driving more comfortable and worry-free.

[DelJayden]

Here's my simple trick for using air circulation in winter: Start by turning on the internal circulation to quickly heat up the cabin with warm air. Once you're comfortably warm, switch to external circulation to bring in outside air, preventing humidity and fogging. If you encounter fog or high humidity, immediately switch to external circulation and turn on the windshield defroster. This way, you enjoy the quick warmth of internal circulation while avoiding the initial cold air from external circulation. During long drives, I switch between the two every half hour to ensure fresh air without getting cold. This balanced switching technique makes winter driving both comfortable and safe, and it's very practical.