Should You Use External or Internal Air Circulation When Turning on the Heater in the Car During Winter?
4 Answers
When turning on the heater in the car during winter, start with internal air circulation and switch to external air circulation once the car is warm. It is recommended to primarily use internal air circulation with occasional external air circulation, alternating between the two. This ensures the car stays warm while preventing a rise in carbon dioxide levels inside the car, which could affect driving safety. For long-distance trips, it is advisable to use external air circulation; in heavy traffic, switch to internal air circulation; and in dusty areas, use internal air circulation. To quickly heat up the car in winter, start the engine and drive normally for a while to allow the engine to warm up. Once the temperature gauge needle reaches the middle position, turn on the heater with internal air circulation. Using internal air circulation helps the air conditioning system rapidly cool or heat the car interior. This not only warms up the car quickly but also reduces engine load and saves fuel.
When driving in cold winter, I found that flexible use of internal and external air circulation with the heater is essential. When starting the car, using internal circulation allows hot air to quickly circulate and warm up the cabin, making it cozy in no time and saving time. After about 5 minutes when the temperature rises, switch to external circulation to introduce fresh air, preventing windshield fogging and ensuring clear visibility for safety. Using only internal circulation can make the air stuffy, leading to dizziness and discomfort over time, which isn’t good for health. Additionally, during highway driving, maintaining external circulation ensures air flow and helps prevent drowsiness. I clean the air filter weekly to reduce dust intake and enhance comfort. In short, it’s best to switch modes based on road conditions rather than sticking to just one setting.
In my daily commute, I often deal with the issue of turning on the heater, especially during peak hours. As soon as I get in the car and feel unbearably cold, I turn on the heater and set it to recirculation mode for quick heating. However, once the interior temperature stabilizes, I always switch to fresh air mode to prevent windshield fogging, which is crucial for safe driving, especially on snowy days with heavy fog. I also pay attention to fuel consumption—recirculation heats up faster, but failing to switch out in time may increase engine load and consume more fuel. For short trips like commuting, I prefer using fresh air mode to maintain air freshness and avoid breathing difficulties. Long-term use of a balanced mix of recirculation and fresh air keeps me alert and ensures safer driving. Remember to adjust the air conditioning mode along with the defogging function, and manual adjustments may work better when necessary.
For energy efficiency, I prefer using the external air circulation more in winter when turning on the heater, as drawing fresh air from outside reduces the energy loss from repeatedly heating recirculated air, which slightly saves fuel. After starting the car, I first use internal circulation to warm up for a few minutes, then immediately switch to external ventilation once the interior is warm to prevent fogging. This practice is environmentally friendly, reducing emissions, especially during long drives, by avoiding CO2 buildup and keeping the cabin air fresh. I often remind myself to regularly check and maintain the air conditioning system to ensure efficient operation. In congested areas, flexibly switching between modes improves air circulation, benefiting both health and wallet overall.
