Where is the Camry's external circulation switch?
2 Answers
On the lower left side of the center console, pressing the button to light up indicates internal circulation, while turning it off indicates external circulation. Under normal circumstances, it is advisable to maintain external circulation to allow better air flow between the inside and outside of the car. However, during summer, to cool the car interior more quickly, first turn on internal circulation, then switch to external circulation. Below are relevant details about internal and external circulation: 1. Use of external circulation: Generally, if the outside temperature is too high and you want to quickly lower the temperature inside the car, you should turn on external circulation to rapidly expel hot air from the car and reduce the load on the air conditioning. Additionally, if there are smokers in the car, turning on external circulation can quickly remove harmful gases, ensuring the safety of passengers. For newly purchased cars, it is also recommended to frequently use external circulation to expedite the removal of harmful substances like formaldehyde. 2. Use of internal circulation: During traffic jams, always switch to internal circulation to effectively prevent harmful exhaust fumes from entering the car. For short-distance driving, it is also advisable to switch to internal circulation to further reduce fuel consumption. For long-distance driving, make sure to use external circulation more often to maintain fresh air inside the car and prevent the driver from losing concentration due to lack of oxygen, which could lead to accidents.
The Camry's external air circulation switch is typically located on the air conditioning control panel. Among those buttons, there's one with an icon of a small car containing an arrow pointing outward, which indicates the activation of external air circulation. It's positioned on the center console, near the temperature adjustment knob and the fan speed switch. I personally use it frequently while driving, such as during highway traffic jams or when there's a strong smell of smoke upon entering the car. Pressing it allows fresh air to enter, speeding up air exchange inside the cabin. The operation is super simple—just press it, and the light display toggles. However, don't confuse it with the internal circulation button, which has an inward-pointing arrow and recirculates the air inside the car. Some older Camry models might use a lever or touchscreen interface, but the modern versions have very intuitive buttons. It's advisable to periodically check if the button is sticking, as accumulated dust can affect its performance. Poor air circulation might lead to fogging or unpleasant odors, so developing a habit of switching it as needed helps maintain a comfortable and safe driving environment.
