What is the difference between internal circulation and external circulation in a car?
3 Answers
The differences between internal circulation and external circulation in a car are: 1. Different air circulation methods: Internal circulation draws air from inside the vehicle; External circulation draws air from outside the vehicle, which is then cooled or heated by the air conditioning system before being blown out through the vents. 2. Different functions: Internal circulation effectively prevents external dust and harmful gases from entering the car, improving the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioning; External circulation brings fresh air from outside into the car, maintaining air quality inside the vehicle. Internal circulation mode closes the airflow passage between the inside and outside of the vehicle, creating an internal airflow circulation that effectively blocks external dust and harmful gases while maintaining interior temperature. External circulation mode uses a fan to draw outside air into the vehicle, and even without the fan running, airflow will still enter the car while driving to replenish fresh air.
I found that the main difference between the interior air circulation and exterior air circulation modes lies in the air source. Interior air circulation means the AC only recirculates the existing air inside the car without drawing in outside air. This is particularly useful when stuck in city traffic or passing through areas with severe air pollution, as it helps avoid inhaling exhaust fumes or dust while keeping the cabin clean. Exterior air circulation allows fresh air from outside to flow in, which is suitable for driving in rural areas or routes with good air quality, helping with ventilation and dehumidification while preventing window fogging. I always pay attention to switching between them - using interior circulation in traffic jams to protect health, and exterior circulation on highways to enhance comfort while reducing CO2 buildup in the cabin to prevent drowsiness.
For me, the difference between the car's internal and external air circulation directly affects comfort and health. Internal circulation uses only the air inside the car, which is great for keeping out external pollutants like pollen or exhaust fumes—especially beneficial for those with allergies. However, prolonged use can make the cabin stuffy, and odors may linger. External circulation draws in fresh air, helping to oxygenate the cabin and eliminate odors, which is particularly effective on foggy days or when the windshield fogs up. The downside is that it can bring in dust when the outside air is polluted. My advice is to adjust based on road conditions: use external circulation when the air is clean and switch to internal circulation in polluted areas, balancing energy efficiency and safety.
