
Below the center console, there are three knobs. Under the largest middle knob, there are three buttons. The middle button among them controls the internal and external circulation. Pressing the button with its indicator light on means the internal circulation is activated; pressing it again to turn off the indicator light means the external circulation is activated. Below are some precautions regarding the car's internal and external circulation: 1. After purchasing a new car: Just like a newly renovated house, try to maintain air exchange between the inside and outside of the car as much as possible to allow harmful gases inside the car to volatilize and be released as soon as possible. 2. When turning on the air conditioner or heater: Use the mode that exchanges air between the inside and outside of the car, and try to avoid using the internal circulation mode for a long time. 3. In areas with severe traffic congestion: Temporarily switch the air conditioner or heater to the internal circulation mode, and vehicles driving with windows open should temporarily close the windows. Car owners should develop the habit of adjusting the car's air conditioning circulation system in time according to the external air conditions. 4. For the first 6 months after a new car is launched: Strengthen ventilation, clean the car's air conditioner regularly, try to keep the air inside the car fresh, and pay special attention not to use perfume or air freshener to mask any abnormal odors inside the car.

I've been driving a for five years, and the position of the exterior circulation button is actually quite intuitive. It's usually located in the air conditioning control area on the center console—the one with a small car icon and an arrow coming in from the outside. For example, in my Regal, the button is right next to the hazard light switch; press it once, and when the light turns off, it's in exterior circulation mode. The newer Enclave Plus has switched to a touchscreen—you need to tap the air conditioning icon first, then select the arrow symbol for air flow. If you still can't find it, simply say, "Hello Buick, turn on exterior circulation"—it's much easier, as most new cars now support voice control. If the cabin air filter hasn't been replaced in three months, you might notice a dusty smell when using exterior circulation.

Last time I helped my neighbor locate the function buttons for their , I discovered the external circulation is actually hidden in two places. For models with physical buttons, it's on the air conditioning panel to the right of the steering wheel, usually marked with a rectangular icon featuring an arrow, shared with the internal/external circulation toggle. I tested this on an older GL8—holding it down for three seconds forces air exchange. For touchscreen models like the Verano Pro, you need to swipe out the quick air conditioning menu first, then select the 'Fresh Air' icon in the airflow mode. Remember to clean this area thoroughly when washing the car; if the button gets stuck, the internal/external circulation function may fail. The system automatically switches to external circulation when the sunroof is opened, but you'll need to manually readjust after closing it.

With a decade of experience repairing vehicles, the exterior circulation button is typically located at the bottom left of the HVAC control module. The classic design features a round metal button with an airflow arrow pattern, as seen in models like the Excelle and Velite. A click sound provides feedback when pressed, and the light-off state indicates exterior circulation is active. For certain models such as the LaCrosse, the HVAC panel must first be activated by pressing the power button. To verify functionality, place your hand near the vent to feel natural airflow. Note that during winter when the windshield fogs up, activating both the heater and defroster functions will automatically engage exterior circulation, which may cause the button indicator light to change.

I drive the Enclave every day to pick up and drop off my kids. The external circulation button is located among the row of buttons below the central air vent. The one next to the silver knob with a cloud and arrow symbol is it—press it to light up the lamp for internal circulation, and press again to turn off the lamp and switch to external circulation. Once when traveling with elderly family members, I couldn't find it at first, only to discover later that the luxury version had changed it to touch control, requiring a swipe on the air conditioning page of the central control screen to switch. When air quality is poor, the dashboard will prompt to turn on internal circulation; manually pressing this button at this time can restore normal ventilation. The gaps around the button tend to accumulate dust, so I regularly clean them with a toothpick wrapped in a wet wipe.

Research on vehicle systems reveals that Buick's external circulation button comes in three designs. The physical button version is located on the right side of the AC panel, marked by an arrow pointing into the car's interior (the internal circulation is indicated by an arrow looping inside the car). The touchscreen version is found in the airflow diagram menu on the AC interface. For voice control models, simply say "AC external circulation." Switching to external circulation while parked can prevent window fogging, and keeping it on during highway driving may reduce ear pressure. For older models without a dedicated button, turning off the internal circulation switch effectively activates external circulation mode—a trick many owners are unaware of.


