Should You Use Recirculation Mode on Rainy Days?
3 Answers
It is better to use the external air circulation mode on rainy days. During rainy weather, when it's cold, the windows tend to fog up, which can obstruct the driver's view. Therefore, it is advisable to first use the external air circulation mode and adjust the airflow direction towards the windshield. Using external circulation helps expel the moisture exhaled by passengers from the vehicle, while the outside cold air is less likely to condense. Here are some important considerations: 1. When the outside air quality is poor or heavily polluted, such as on dusty roads, in congested traffic, or near chemical plants where there are foul odors or unpleasant smells, use the recirculation mode to prevent the poor external air from entering the vehicle; 2. In summer, to quickly cool down the interior with the air conditioning, the recirculation mode can be used; 3. In winter, using the recirculation mode can help keep the interior warmer.
When driving on rainy days, I prefer to turn on the recirculation mode because the high humidity outside can cause the windows to fog up, which blurs visibility and increases danger. With recirculation activated, the air conditioning only circulates the dry air inside the car, preventing fog formation and making driving safer. I remember one time when I didn’t turn on recirculation in the rain—I could barely see the road signs ahead and almost got into an accident. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to press the recirculation button as soon as it rains. However, don’t leave it on continuously, as the air inside can become stuffy, and over time, it might make me feel dizzy. So, I recommend switching to fresh air mode or slightly opening the window for ventilation every 20-30 minutes. Additionally, combining it with the defogging mode of the air conditioner works even better, and regularly replacing the cabin air filter can improve anti-fog efficiency. In short, using recirculation flexibly significantly enhances safety when driving in the rain.
From a fuel-saving perspective, turning on recirculation mode during rainy days is a smart choice. In fresh air mode, the AC system processes humid outside air, putting more load on the compressor and increasing fuel consumption. Recirculation mode only filters cabin air, improving compressor efficiency - my tests confirm slight fuel savings. With high humidity during rain, fresh air mode brings in moisture requiring more energy, while recirculation enables faster temperature regulation. However, avoid prolonged use as stale air may cause fatigue. I typically switch to fresh air briefly after 15 minutes - this balances economy with comfort while preventing window fogging. Additionally, ensure your AC system functions properly; a dirty filter reduces efficiency, though simple maintenance suffices. Adopting this practice long-term makes rainy driving easier and safer.
