You’ve most likely seen a button on your car’s dashboard whose function is still unclear. An icon of an automobile with an arrow revolving inside… Does that sound familiar? This is the air recirculation button. It may appear discrete, but it is critical to your comfort—and potentially your safety. However, be cautious, as inappropriate application can have unintended repercussions. Here’s what you should know.
What exactly is this button for?
The air recirculation button performs a basic function: it prevents outside air from entering the passenger compartment and only circulates air that is already present in the vehicle. In other words, your vehicle runs in a closed circuit.
This system uses the vehicle’s ventilation to heat or cool the interior air based on the parameters selected, and then distributes it through the air vents.
This feature appears easy, but it should be utilized with caution.
When should it be activated? Specific situations
Here are the situations when turning on air recirculation can be quite beneficial:
- When driving in polluted areas, such as traffic congestion on the ring road, or if there are foul aromas outside (e.g., from a farm or treatment facility).
- When traveling through a tunnel or a very dusty region
- In the heat, to improve the efficiency of air conditioning
- In these instances, you can prevent introducing contaminated or unpleasant air into your vehicle. In this case, the button becomes your ally.
Caution: Do not use under specific circumstances.
However, in the cold, this button can be problematic. Why? Because repeatedly recycling the same air raises the humidity in the passenger compartment. This could lead to:
- Rapid fogging of the windshield and windows, decreasing visibility.
- A buildup of CO₂ can cause weariness, headaches, and discomfort.
- An atmosphere conducive to the development of mold and bacteria, which are hazardous to health
- And all of this can happen without you even knowing it. You believe you are increasing your comfort, yet you risk jeopardizing your safety.
A few simple rules for using it properly
Here are some suggestions to help you get the most of this risk-free feature:
- Never leave the recirculation running continually. Use it on occasion, then return to the outside air intake.
- Avoid it when it’s chilly, damp, or raining.
- Even in the heat, don’t overdo it: 10 to 15 minutes will adequately refresh the air.
- Keep an eye out for fogging; if it appears quickly, switch off the air recirculation right once.
- Above all, pay attention to your feelings. If you’re feeling hot, oppressed, or drowsy, be sure this function hasn’t been active for too long.
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