Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode When Using the Heater in Winter?
2 Answers
Whether to use recirculation or fresh air mode when using the car heater in winter depends on the specific situation: 1. When driving in urban areas, you can use recirculation mode. 2. When driving on highways or long-distance routes, it is recommended to use fresh air mode. 3. Avoid using fresh air mode during traffic jams. The differences between recirculation and fresh air mode are: 1. Different air circulation methods: Fresh air mode draws air from outside the vehicle; recirculation mode draws air from inside the vehicle. 2. Different symbols on the car's air conditioning panel: The fresh air mode symbol shows an arrow from outside to inside; the recirculation mode symbol shows an arrow pointing inward. 3. Different functions: Fresh air mode brings fresh air from outside into the vehicle, maintaining air quality inside; recirculation mode effectively prevents external dust and harmful gases from entering the vehicle and can improve the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioning system.
In winter, I prefer to start with the recirculation mode to blast the heater, quickly warming up the car to avoid shivering. After about three to five minutes when it's warm, I switch to fresh air mode to let in outside air. Why? Because recirculation keeps the windows and doors closed, heating the car faster, but prolonged use leads to stale air, increased CO₂ levels causing dizziness, and foggy windows—hazardous for visibility. Last year, I forgot to switch modes on the highway, nearly causing a sideswipe accident due to fogged windows—a real scare. Now, I’ve developed a habit: alternating modes for short trips or traffic jams, favoring fresh air on long drives for safety. If the car has climate control, AUTO mode is even better for hassle-free regulation. Balancing warmth and fresh air is key.
