Where does the car's external air circulation intake come from?
3 Answers
The air that enters through the car's air conditioning intake is the external circulation air. The air conditioning intake is located below the center console and the front windshield. Due to obstruction by other components, it is not easily visible. External circulation draws outside air into the car, maintaining air freshness inside and providing a comfortable environment for passengers. When driving on construction sites or in tunnels, it is recommended to use internal circulation. Using external circulation in these situations would allow polluted outside air to enter the car, affecting the interior environment. Additionally, during peak commuting hours with heavy traffic, it's best to use internal circulation as well, since traffic congestion produces significant exhaust fumes that could enter the car through external circulation. For long-distance driving, it's generally advisable to switch to external circulation for ventilation after about one hour of driving. Prolonged use of internal circulation may cause discomfort or even oxygen deprivation for both the driver and passengers. When the outside environment is clean, external circulation can be used to maintain good air exchange between the interior and exterior.
That time I was driving at night in heavy rain, the windshield fogged up and I couldn't see the road. I quickly pressed the external circulation button, and the wind came rushing in. The air intake is located under your car's front windshield in that mesh grid area, usually hidden near the wipers, just below the hood. It's ingeniously designed to directly draw in fresh outside air, helping to clear fog quickly. You should know that when washing your car, never neglect cleaning that mesh grid—leaves and dust can clog it; I overlooked it last time, resulting in poor airflow and a strange smell inside. Remember to use external circulation more often to keep the cabin air fresh, especially when driving in rain or snow—it's super important.
When the car's external air circulation is turned on, the air mainly enters through the intake vent at the front of the vehicle, located in the grille area at the base of the windshield near the top of the engine compartment. This area is specifically designed to draw in fresh air while preventing dust and debris from mixing in. It's much safer to use this feature when driving in smog or parked in a tunnel. During regular maintenance, simply check for any blockages and clean it with a soft brush to ensure smooth ventilation. This is common knowledge among experienced drivers, making it hassle-free and enhancing the driving experience.
