Why Shouldn't You Use Recirculation Mode in Winter?
2 Answers
During winter driving, when the car is in a closed state, using recirculation mode can lead to a decline in air quality inside the vehicle. Here is some relevant information about recirculation mode: 1. Definition of recirculation mode: It refers to the circulation of air within the car, blocking the air passage between the interior and exterior to prevent outside air from entering. 2. When to use recirculation mode: During smoggy conditions or when driving behind other vehicles; in situations with heavy exhaust emissions, such as following large trucks. It should also be activated when the air conditioning performance is suboptimal or when experiencing inconsistent temperature fluctuations. New cars should minimize the use of recirculation mode because their interiors often have strong odors and contain higher levels of harmful substances.
When driving in winter, I always remember that time when I turned on the recirculation mode, and the windows fogged up instantly, blurring my vision and nearly causing me to hit the roadside. The reason is that recirculation causes the air inside the car to cycle repeatedly, trapping the moisture from breathing, which can't escape. Combined with the cold outside, this leads to fogging or frosting on the glass, which is particularly dangerous. This kind of fogging is common in winter due to the significant temperature difference. Moreover, prolonged use of recirculation can make the air stale, affecting driving concentration. Therefore, I recommend using the fresh air mode or automatic mode more often in winter. Introducing fresh outside air, which is heated, can maintain comfort and reduce fogging. After starting the car, wait a while before turning off recirculation, or use the defog button to ensure safe driving. Remember, safety comes first—never overlook this detail, especially in rainy or snowy weather.
