What type of air circulation is effective for eliminating odors inside the car?
3 Answers
To eliminate odors inside the car, you should use the external air circulation mode. When using the internal circulation mode, the vehicle's interior space becomes like a sealed environment, preventing fresh air from entering. However, when the external circulation is activated, fresh air from outside flows into the car, improving the air quality inside. More details about internal and external air circulation are as follows: Function of internal circulation: Internal circulation can enhance the effectiveness of the air conditioning, similar to cooling the indoor cold air. However, prolonged use of internal circulation can degrade the air quality inside the car, potentially causing dizziness or discomfort. It is advisable to switch to external circulation for a few minutes after using internal circulation for a while to allow fresh air to enter and improve air quality. If the air conditioning's internal/external circulation switch is a mechanical lever instead of a button, you can place the lever in the middle position between internal and external circulation to allow a moderate amount of outdoor air to enter, thereby enhancing air quality. Function of external circulation: Using external circulation allows you to breathe fresh air from outside the car. In winter, if the warm air feels too hot, you can turn off the fan and activate external circulation to maintain the interior temperature while still getting fresh air.
When I encounter strange odors while driving, my first instinct is to turn on the recirculation mode—it's much more effective. Pressing the recirculation button when there's smoke or odd smells in the car blocks outside air from entering, minimizing the intrusion of unpleasant odors. This is especially useful in traffic jams or hazy conditions, as recirculation mode keeps things hassle-free. To clear lingering smells inside the car, pairing it with the AC for a while helps, as the cabin air filter automatically filters out those odd odors. By the way, remember to replace the cabin air filter on schedule—too much dust buildup reduces its efficiency and can make the car feel stuffier. Parking in shaded areas also helps reduce odor buildup, as high summer temperatures inside the car can lead to sour smells.
From a health perspective, the key to eliminating odors in cars lies in rapid air purification. Using the external air circulation can introduce fresh air to dilute odors, but when outside air quality is poor, promptly switch to internal circulation to isolate pollutants. I've found that simultaneously turning on the air conditioning cooling is more effective because the A/C system can dehumidify and remove odors. Another useful tip is to roll down windows for two minutes upon entering the car before switching circulation modes - this helps odors dissipate faster. Never overlook spilled drinks or food residues in the car as they're breeding grounds for odors, making regular interior cleaning essential. Keeping the AC system dry also prevents mold growth - those musty smells are particularly stubborn to eliminate.
