Is the recirculation light on or off?
2 Answers
The recirculation light is on. Here is relevant information about recirculation: Function of recirculation: The purpose of the air conditioning recirculation mode is to prevent outside air from entering the vehicle. When the outside temperature is very high or very low, selecting the air recirculation mode allows the AC system to operate in this mode for a short time to quickly lower or raise the interior temperature. Switching recirculation mode: If equipped with an air quality sensor, when the system detects an increase in the concentration of harmful substances in the outside air, it will immediately activate the air recirculation mode automatically to prevent outside air from being drawn into the vehicle. Once the concentration of harmful substances in the outside air drops to normal levels, the system will automatically deactivate the air recirculation mode, allowing fresh air to enter the vehicle again.
In my experience, the recirculation button on a car's air conditioning system usually comes with a small indicator light. When the light is on, it means the recirculation mode is activated. At this point, the system circulates the air inside the car, preventing outside air from entering. This is especially useful during smoggy days or in heavy traffic to keep exhaust fumes from entering the cabin. Having driven for nearly ten years, I always press the button before entering a tunnel. Seeing the light come on gives me peace of mind—the cabin air instantly feels fresher, and it even helps save a bit on fuel since the AC doesn’t need to draw air from outside. However, a word of caution: don’t leave the light on indefinitely. Without fresh air intake, the cabin can become stuffy and oxygen-deprived, affecting both health and driving focus. I recommend switching back to the external circulation mode (light off) after about 30 minutes or cracking a window to refresh the air, ensuring a more comfortable and safer ride.
