When to Use Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode?
3 Answers
Below are the situations when to use car recirculation and fresh air mode respectively: 1. When to use fresh air mode: 1. When driving a newly purchased car: Open the fresh air mode as much as possible to maintain air circulation between inside and outside the vehicle, allowing harmful gases inside the car to volatilize and release as soon as possible. 2. During long-distance highway driving: If recirculation mode is maintained all the time, it can easily lead to insufficient oxygen in the car, resulting in driver fatigue and traffic accidents. In such cases, it's necessary to open the fresh air mode to replenish fresh air inside the car. 3. When smoking: Ensure smoke can be quickly discharged outside the car. This not only takes responsibility for your own health but also reduces the harm of secondhand smoke to family members in the car. 2. When to use recirculation mode: 1. During traffic jams: Recirculation can effectively prevent exhaust gas from outside entering the car, avoiding harm to us. 2. When encountering sandstorms or dusty weather on the road: It can prevent dust from outside entering the car and also reduce the impact of sand on the air conditioning filter.
After driving for so many years, I've found that switching between air recirculation and fresh air modes is actually quite nuanced. The recirculation mode is mainly used during city traffic jams to avoid inhaling exhaust fumes and dust from outside, instantly making the air inside the car much cleaner. It also helps the air conditioning cool or heat the car faster in summer or winter. However, if the recirculation mode is used for too long, carbon dioxide can build up inside the car, making you drowsy, so I usually turn it off after about ten minutes. Switching to fresh air mode, like on highways with beautiful scenery and fresh air, brings in outside air and noticeably improves alertness. On rainy days when the windows fog up, the fresh air mode is also super effective, blowing in cool air to clear the fog. In winter, if the car feels too stuffy, the fresh air mode can help ventilate. The key is not to stick to one mode all the time—regular switching is both healthier and safer. If the outside air is polluted, simply lock in recirculation mode. This simple habit makes driving much more comfortable, and I've never had any issues with it.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I believe the proper use of air recirculation directly affects driving alertness. The recirculation mode is suitable for driving in tunnels or congested urban areas, as it blocks external exhaust fumes and keeps the car much cooler. However, don't keep it on for too long—exceeding 30 minutes can lead to oxygen deprivation. I've personally experienced yawning from this, so I switch to fresh air mode when parked or driving in suburban areas to bring in fresh oxygen, which prevents drowsiness and refreshes the mind. In foggy or heavy rain/snow conditions, the fresh air mode is excellent for defogging, ensuring clear visibility. After parking a sunbaked car in a garage during summer, I also use fresh air mode to dissipate odors. Remember to lock the recirculation mode during sandstorms to avoid inhaling dust. Once you develop the habit of switching between these modes, the journey becomes much more relaxed, safer, and more energy-efficient. I typically adjust the circulation mode every 20 minutes.
