When traveling in an air-conditioned car, you should use the recirculation mode judiciously based on the outside conditions and your comfort requirements. The recirculation mode is a setting in the car's air conditioning system that controls whether the air is sourced from inside the car (recirculated) or from outside the car (fresh air). Here are some guidelines for when to switch the recirculation mode on and off:
Switching recirculation mode ON:
- When it's hot outside: If the temperature outside is significantly higher than the desired temperature inside the car, it's better to switch on recirculation mode. This prevents hot air from entering the car and helps cool the interior faster.
- In heavy traffic: When stuck in traffic or driving through areas with high pollution levels, turning on recirculation mode can help reduce the amount of exhaust fumes and pollutants entering the cabin, making the air quality inside the car better.
Switching recirculation mode OFF:
- When it's cool outside: If the weather outside is pleasant and the temperature is lower than what you have set on your air conditioning system, it's better to switch off recirculation and let fresh air come in from the outside.
- For defogging and dehumidifying: When you need to defog the windows or reduce interior humidity, it's best to turn off recirculation mode and let fresh air circulate through the car. This helps in removing moisture from the cabin more effectively.
- For long drives: During extended journeys, it's advisable to switch off recirculation mode periodically to allow fresh air to circulate and maintain good air quality inside the car.
Remember that using recirculation mode constantly can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) inside the cabin, which might cause drowsiness and discomfort. Thus, it's essential to strike a balance between using recirculation mode and letting in fresh air, depending on the prevailing weather and driving conditions. Many modern cars have an "Auto" mode, which automatically adjusts the recirculation setting based on the interior and exterior conditions, providing a convenient option to maintain a comfortable environment inside the vehicle.