Should the Car's Heating Use Internal or External Air Circulation in Winter?
2 Answers
In winter, cars should alternate between internal and external air circulation. The correct usage techniques are introduced as follows: 1. Do not turn on the heating immediately after starting the vehicle: It is not recommended to turn on the heating right after starting the car, as this can hinder the heating temperature from rising quickly. If you turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the vehicle, cold air will blow out because the engine has just started, and the water temperature in the radiator is not yet high enough. You need to let the engine warm up for a while to allow the water temperature to rise. 2. Do not set the heating to the lowest position: This is an incorrect operation. Dust can easily accumulate in the fine gaps of the air conditioning system and is difficult to clean. You should regularly increase the fan speed or set it to a medium position. This not only saves fuel but also prevents dust from clogging the system. Some car owners believe that using the internal circulation mode will save a lot of fuel, but this operation can make the air inside the car stuffy and reduce oxygen levels. It is recommended to also use the external circulation mode when turning on the heating to allow air exchange between the inside and outside of the car.
When using the heater in winter, I believe the recirculation mode is the first choice because it quickly heats the air inside the car without wasting heat, making the car warm up faster and avoiding a chilly feeling. However, if you keep the recirculation mode on without switching to fresh air mode, the air inside can become stuffy, and over time, the windows may fog up, affecting visibility—especially in rainy or snowy weather, which makes it worse. So, after turning on the heater, I first use recirculation mode for 5-10 minutes to warm up the cabin. Once the temperature stabilizes, I switch to fresh air mode to bring in new air, preventing fogging and keeping it comfortable. Remember, foggy windows pose a significant risk, so driving safety comes first. If fog starts to form, immediately switch to fresh air mode or activate the defroster. It's best to use both modes flexibly depending on the weather. Additionally, the cabin air filter should be cleaned regularly to ensure clean air.
