Should You Use Internal or External Air Circulation in the Car on Snowy Days?

[KiraAnn]

Correct practice is to alternate between internal and external air circulation in winter. Concepts of internal and external circulation: Internal circulation means the air conditioning system is closed to outside air, recirculating only the air inside the car. External circulation means the air conditioning system draws in fresh air from outside the car for circulation. Advantages of alternating use: Faster cooling and heating effects from the air conditioning system, prevents excessive carbon dioxide concentration which can reduce oxygen levels in the car, leading to drowsiness and affecting safe driving. It also maintains clean air inside the cabin, ensuring a good cabin environment.

[VonHector]

When it comes to driving in snowy weather, I often encounter this issue. When the snow is too heavy, I immediately switch to recirculation mode because the outside air is cold and humid. Using fresh air mode can easily cause the windshield to fog up, making it dangerous as visibility is reduced. Last year during a heavy snowfall, I almost had an accident because I mistakenly used fresh air mode. Now, I’ve developed the habit of setting the system to recirculation mode as soon as I start the car. Once the heater warms up and the temperature becomes comfortable, I briefly switch to fresh air mode to ventilate the cabin and prevent stuffiness. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes, and I always remember to use the defrost mode for safety. Before driving, I also recommend clearing off snow and checking tire pressure—don’t take any chances on slippery roads. This setup has helped me feel much more at ease during snowy drives, and it’s far more reliable than using fresh air mode.

[Evie]

As someone who frequently drives on trips, I prefer using the recirculation mode in snowy weather. With snowflakes swirling outside, the fresh air mode brings in cold and humid air, which not only consumes more fuel but also easily causes fogging on the windows, obstructing visibility. Last month during a self-drive tour in a snowstorm, keeping the recirculation mode on the whole time allowed the heater to warm up quickly, saving energy and reducing pollution emissions. However, the air can get stuffy after a while, so I would roll down the windows or briefly switch to fresh air mode when stopping by the roadside to get some fresh air. Overall, focusing on safe driving in snowy conditions is better than frequently adjusting the air conditioning. Developing a good habit of preheating the air conditioning before starting the car can better prepare you for sudden weather changes.

[LailaLee]

When driving my kids to and from school, I always choose recirculation mode on snowy days. This keeps the cabin temperature stable and prevents the children from catching a cold. Using fresh air mode would let cold air in too quickly, with poor defogging effect that creates dangerous visibility issues. I set the climate control to high fan speed with warm air dehumidification mode, and always remind myself to check door seals to prevent moisture intrusion. Maintaining proper temperature during commutes is crucial - never let AC adjustments distract from driving.