Use Internal or External Air Circulation in Cold Weather?
4 Answers
Whether to use internal or external air circulation in cold weather depends on the situation: 1. Internal circulation is mainly used when driving on general urban roads; 2. If driving on highways or long-distance routes, it is recommended to use external circulation; 3. Do not use external circulation in traffic jams, otherwise, the car interior may smell of exhaust fumes. In winter, the car's air conditioning is used almost daily, as it is a very important comfort feature in vehicles. When the car's air conditioning heats the cabin, the high-temperature coolant from the engine passes through the heater core, and the air blown by the blower also passes through the heater core, allowing warm air to be blown out from the air conditioning vents.
In winter when the weather is extremely cold, I prefer to start with the recirculation mode to let the warm air circulate quickly inside the car. It usually takes about three to five minutes to warm up the cabin, and it also saves a bit on fuel consumption. However, using only recirculation for a long time can easily cause the windows to fog up because the moisture can't escape, which is dangerous as it affects visibility. So once the temperature rises, I immediately switch to the fresh air mode, bringing in cold air from outside to help defog the windows and maintain air circulation for better breathing. During traffic jams, I switch back to recirculation to reduce inhaling exhaust fumes, while on the highway, I use fresh air mode for better ventilation and cooling. By adjusting back and forth like this, driving becomes more comfortable and safer, and it also helps protect the car's air conditioning system, avoiding frequent fogging issues. Remember to check the cabin air filter regularly—if it's too dirty, it can reduce defogging efficiency and affect the overall driving experience. In short, a simple switch does the trick—no need to overthink it.
In cold weather driving, I pay special attention to the air freshness inside the car. When I first get in the car and shiver from the cold, I use the recirculation mode to warm up quickly. But after a few minutes, I switch to fresh air mode to prevent dizziness from oxygen deficiency in the enclosed space, especially when traveling with family. Using fresh air mode also helps prevent window fogging, ensuring clear visibility and preventing accidents, while adding some external humidity to prevent dry and itchy skin. When fogging occurs, don't rush to wipe it by hand; switch to the air conditioning defog mode for an automatic solution. On long trips, use fresh air mode more often to stay alert and avoid drowsiness, and briefly switch to recirculation in traffic to reduce exhaust inhalation. Regularly opening windows for ventilation is also a good habit—simple and easy to make driving healthier and more comfortable. Remember, balance is key; comfortable and healthy driving comes first.
In cold weather, choosing the AC circulation mode is straightforward. I usually start with the recirculation mode to heat up the cabin faster and more efficiently, but switch to fresh air mode after a while to prevent window fogging, as moisture buildup can obscure the glass and be dangerous. Although fresh air mode cools the cabin more slowly, it ensures fresh air circulation for safety. Adjust based on humidity: use fresh air mode more often in high humidity to prevent fogging, and extend recirculation mode in dry conditions to retain warmth. This approach is simple and practical, making driving worry-free.
