Should the External Air Circulation Be Turned Off When Parking the Vehicle?

[Jane]

It is not necessary to turn off the external air circulation system when parking the vehicle. Doing so can lead to poor air circulation inside the car. Recirculating air inside the vehicle can cause the windows to fog up, which may reduce driving safety. Therefore, when temporarily parking the vehicle, it is essential to keep the external air circulation on or turn off the air conditioning system. Different vehicle models have different control methods, which can be divided into two types: The first control method involves buttons. The air conditioning control panel has buttons for internal circulation and external circulation. To use either system, simply press the corresponding button for internal or external circulation. The second control method uses a single button that toggles between internal and external circulation systems. When the button's light is on, it indicates the internal circulation system is active. The internal circulation system should be used when the air conditioning is on or when external odors are strong, effectively preventing outside air from entering the vehicle. Choosing between internal and external circulation depends on the following scenarios: Road conditions: On highways, use external circulation. Due to wind resistance and high speeds, opening windows is not advisable. Prolonged use of internal circulation can lead to hypoxia, impairing reaction and judgment, which is dangerous. Additionally, air quality on highways is generally good, with low exhaust concentrations, making external circulation suitable. In congested urban areas or during rush hours, where exhaust concentrations are high, switch to internal circulation. Vehicle condition: New vehicles often contain high levels of toxic gases like formaldehyde. For the first three to six months after purchase, it is recommended to use external circulation along with opening windows to enhance air circulation and dilute toxic gas concentrations. Air quality: In areas with severe PM2.5 pollution (above 50), where air quality is not good, it is advisable to use internal circulation to avoid inhaling excessive PM2.5 particles. Function of external circulation: External circulation ventilates the car, expelling stale, oxygen-depleted air and bringing in fresh air. In winter, if the heater is on, remember to switch to external circulation to prevent dizziness and chest tightness. Function of internal circulation: Use internal circulation during traffic jams or on dusty roads. Close the windows and switch to internal circulation to block external airflow. When parking, it is best to set the system to internal circulation. On long highway drives, if the air inside becomes stale, switch to external circulation. The use of internal and external circulation should be coordinated with the air conditioning and heating systems.

[ValerieLynn]

I've been driving for almost twenty years, and I always turn off the external air circulation when parking, mainly for safety reasons. When parked on the roadside or in a parking lot, exhaust fumes from other vehicles can drift over. If the external air circulation is on, those harmful gases are directly sucked into the car. Since I have children at home, I always think about protecting their health every time I drive. This also helps avoid pollen or dust from entering, reducing the risk of allergies. The operation is very simple—just press a button to switch to internal circulation mode. Once it becomes a habit, the air inside the car feels much fresher. Underground garages are particularly dangerous due to poor air circulation, so turning off external circulation reduces risks like carbon monoxide and prevents potential health issues. Driving details shouldn’t be overlooked—starting with these small habits makes the journey safer and more reassuring.

[AmyDella]

As a commuter, I find turning off the fresh air (external circulation) mode when parking quite practical—it saves a bit of fuel and electricity. The external circulation mode makes the fan work harder, increasing engine load, so disabling it slightly improves fuel efficiency. For instance, when waiting at traffic lights or for friends, switching to recirculation (internal) mode minimizes cabin temperature fluctuations, reduces frequent AC adjustments, and ensures smoother driving. I've done the math—over a year, the fuel savings add up to pocket money. Especially during hot summer months, turning off external circulation prevents heatwaves from entering, saving power while enhancing comfort. Cultivating this habit takes no extra time but yields significant benefits.

[LeZachary]

I pay attention to health details, and turning off the external air circulation when parking is a must to avoid inhaling pollutants or odors. The outside air often contains dust or exhaust fumes, which can affect breathing. I have a history of asthma, so every time I park, I switch to recirculation mode to keep the cabin air filtered and clean. During pollen season or in congested urban areas, it's even more critical—closing off external airflow helps prevent allergies and maintains air quality. It takes just a second to do but makes a noticeable difference. Developing this habit keeps my driving experience fresher and more enjoyable, allowing me to fully relax and savor the journey.

[DeDaniel]

When parking, turning on the external air circulation makes the air in the car suddenly change, with wind and noise, which is uncomfortable. I usually turn it off and switch to internal circulation mode. This keeps the cabin environment more stable—for example, preventing hot air from rushing in during summer or cold drafts in winter. The operation is simple; just press a button, and it becomes a habit that enhances the driving experience. Occasionally, forgetting to turn it off leads to regret because odors or dust can drift in, making cleaning a hassle. Comfortable driving accumulates from these small details.