Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode When Driving in Summer?
2 Answers
First, use the fresh air mode or open the windows for ventilation, then switch to recirculation mode. Here is some extended knowledge: The difference between car recirculation and fresh air modes: 1. Car recirculation mode circulates the air inside the vehicle in a closed loop, indicated by an arrow symbol inside a closed car icon; whereas fresh air mode draws outside air into the cabin, indicated by an arrow from outside pointing into a closed car icon. 2. Car recirculation mode means the air inside the vehicle is heated or cooled before being recirculated; fresh air mode means outside air is heated or cooled before being brought into the cabin, effectively exchanging air between the inside and outside of the vehicle. 3. Typically, whether using heating or cooling, it's best to start with recirculation mode. However, prolonged use of recirculation can lead to increased carbon dioxide levels from passengers' exhalation. Therefore, it's advisable to switch to fresh air mode every hour to refresh the air inside the cabin.
I've been driving in summer for many years, and I think the first thing to do after getting in the car is to turn on the recirculation mode. Because it's scorching hot outside, recirculation can quickly cool down the car, lowering the temperature inside much more efficiently than fresh air mode. If you start with fresh air mode first, hot air will rush in, and the air conditioning will have to work harder to cool things down. But don't keep recirculation on all the time, otherwise the air inside the car will become stuffy, accumulating odors or increasing carbon dioxide levels, which can affect alertness. I usually switch to fresh air mode for a few minutes after about ten minutes of recirculation to let in some fresh air, especially on highways where the air quality is good. This way, the cooling effect is both fast and safe, avoiding drowsiness while driving. Don’t forget to regularly check the cabin air filter and replace it when it’s dirty to prevent dust from causing sneezing or other issues. In short, recirculation is key in summer, but don’t be lazy—switch modes appropriately to stay comfortable throughout the drive.
