Should You Use Internal or External Air Circulation When Running the Air Conditioner on the Highway?
2 Answers
Run the air conditioner on external air circulation when driving on the highway. The reasons for using external air circulation on the highway are as follows: 1. Highway: When driving on the highway, the windows are usually closed, preventing air circulation inside the vehicle. Turning on external air circulation allows outside air to enter the cabin, improving air freshness. 2. Air Conditioner: External air circulation has minimal impact on the air conditioner's effectiveness during high-speed driving, whereas using it in daily driving may reduce cooling efficiency. 3. Windshield: Fogging on the windshield is mainly caused by excessive humidity inside the car. Turning on external air circulation continuously supplies fresh air, maintaining moderate humidity levels inside the cabin and reducing the likelihood of fogging.
I've found that when using the air conditioning on the highway, choosing between recirculation mode and fresh air mode depends on the situation. The fresh air mode introduces outside air, which can save fuel since the AC compressor doesn't need to work continuously, especially when the temperature is moderate. However, there might be dust or exhaust fumes on the highway, so I often start with a short period of fresh air mode to check the air quality. If it feels fresh, I keep it on; otherwise, I switch to recirculation mode to avoid inhaling pollutants. During long drives, excessive use of recirculation mode can lead to poor air circulation inside the car, making it stuffy. Therefore, I recommend switching to fresh air mode briefly every hour or so to ventilate and help maintain alertness. This approach saves fuel while ensuring comfort, a strategy I've learned from experience and always use on highways to avoid wasting resources and affecting my driving mood.
