Use Internal or External Air Circulation When Driving on Highways?
2 Answers
Whether to use internal or external air circulation when driving on highways depends on the situation: In summer or winter, to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car, internal circulation is usually used. However, if the driving time is long or there are many passengers in the car, it is necessary to switch to external circulation periodically to keep the air inside the car fresh. Precautions for highway driving: 1. Check for potential safety hazards before getting in the car; 2. Stay focused while driving; 3. Do not occupy other lanes for a long time, and emergency lanes should not be occupied unless under special circumstances; 4. Maintain a safe driving speed; 5. Avoid fatigued driving; 6. Whether overtaking, slowing down, changing lanes, merging, or exiting the main road, always signal your intentions early to vehicles in front, behind, and to the sides.
When driving on the highway, the choice between recirculation and fresh air mode depends on the situation. I always prefer fresh air mode for long-distance driving because prolonged use of recirculation in an enclosed space can increase carbon dioxide levels, making you drowsy – which is extremely dangerous for highway safety. I personally experienced this after driving for three hours straight with only recirculation on; my vision became blurry and I nearly had an accident. However, highways often have strong winds and high pollutant levels, like dust from truck emissions. In such cases, I briefly switch to recirculation for about ten minutes to avoid them, then switch back to fresh air mode to maintain ventilation. Remember to regularly replace your cabin air filter to prevent clogging and ensure proper airflow. This switching method keeps you both safe and comfortable, helping to avoid driver fatigue.
