Should You Use Internal or External Air Circulation on Snowy Days?
3 Answers
When using the heater in winter, first turn on the external air circulation, then switch to internal circulation. How to use the air conditioning in winter: When starting the car, the engine begins to warm up. Wait until the engine temperature gauge needle points to the middle position, then turn on the warm air conditioning and set the air circulation to external circulation to expel the cold air from inside the car. After 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. Precautions: If cold air continues to enter the cabin, the air blown out will not be very warm, and you may still feel a bit cold inside the car even with the heater on. If the outside temperature is indeed very low, alternate between internal and external circulation. However, do not use internal circulation continuously to increase the cabin temperature, as this prevents air circulation inside the car, leading to no fresh air entering the cabin. This can result in poor air quality inside the car, affecting your health.
When driving in snowy weather, I always start with the recirculation mode first to warm up the car interior faster, preventing cold and damp snow air from entering the vehicle and avoiding rapid window fogging. Once the car is warm, I switch to fresh air mode to let in outside air. Keeping recirculation on for too long can make the air stuffy, leading to dizziness and affecting safe driving. In heavy snow or fog, I’ve tried pulling over to use the defogging function or cracking the window slightly for ventilation. Don’t forget to check your cabin air filter—if it’s clogged, it will reduce airflow efficiency. In winter, start the engine and let the AC warm up for 5 minutes before driving to prevent immediate fogging. Maintaining this balance ensures comfort and safety inside the car, especially on snowy highways.
As a seasoned driver, I always start with the recirculation mode to heat up the cabin faster when driving long distances in snowy weather. This helps reduce fogging caused by snow and moisture. However, during long trips, I switch back to fresh air mode to introduce outside air and prevent dizziness from CO2 buildup, which could increase accident risks. Remember to adjust the fan speed in cold conditions—avoid blowing cold air directly on your face to prevent catching a cold. Regular maintenance of the AC system is crucial; aging seals can let moisture in—I once had to pull over due to severe fogging. Always keep an extra cloth handy to wipe windows in snowy conditions, and use the defogger switch with the AC for clear visibility.
