Should the Car's Recirculation Light Be On or Off?
2 Answers
The car's recirculation light indicates the status of the air circulation system. When the light is off, it means the system is in external circulation mode. When the light is on, it indicates internal circulation mode. In internal circulation mode, the airflow passage between the inside and outside of the car is closed. Without the fan on, there is no airflow circulation. When the fan is turned on, the air drawn in comes solely from inside the car, creating an internal airflow cycle. The primary purpose of internal circulation is to effectively block external dust and harmful gases from entering the car. Precautions for using the car's recirculation mode: 1. Shortly after entering the car, you should open the windows or activate the external circulation ventilation system to introduce fresh air. Avoid driving for extended periods with the windows and doors closed, and never sleep or rest for long periods in a sealed car. 2. When using the air conditioning or heating, opt for the mode that allows air exchange between the inside and outside of the car, and try to avoid prolonged use of the internal recirculation mode.
When driving, I decide whether to turn the car's recirculation light on or off based on the situation. Right after getting into the car on a scorching summer day, I immediately turn on recirculation to make the air conditioning cool faster and save fuel. In winter when using the heater, I also prefer recirculation to prevent engine heat from dissipating. When passing by a garbage dump or stuck in traffic with heavy exhaust fumes, I turn on recirculation to avoid bad odors entering the car. However, during long highway drives, I switch to fresh air mode to replenish the air inside. Turning on recirculation on rainy days can prevent the windshield from fogging up. When waiting for someone with the air conditioning on, using recirculation saves more fuel, but remember to leave a slight window gap for ventilation. Actually, it's not necessary to keep it on all the time; I find it most practical to check the air quality inside the car every half hour or so and switch accordingly.
