2. It Acts as a Shield Against Odors and Pollution
Have you ever been “driving behind a diesel truck” or passed a farm and suddenly smelled something unpleasant? If you see smoke, dust, or smell something bad outside, press the recirculation button immediately. It closes the intake vents, acting as a temporary barrier to keep those smells and pollutants out of your lungs.
3. It Helps People with Allergies
4. It Can Improve Defrosting in Cold Weather
While fresh air is usually better for clearing windows, once the glass is clear, switching to recirculation can help the heater keep the cabin warm without having to heat up freezing air from the outside.
5. It May Slightly Improve Fuel Economy
When your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the air, it puts less strain on the engine. This can “reduce engine load and save a small amount of fuel” over long periods, especially during very hot weather.
When You Should Avoid Using Recirculation
As helpful as it is, leaving this button on all the time can lead to a few problems.
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Your Windows Might Fog Up: Recirculated air trapped inside the car starts to hold moisture from your breath. In rainy or cold weather, this moisture hits the cold glass and turns into fog. If this happens, you should “turn OFF recirculation and set vents to ‘defrost.’”
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The Air Can Get Stale: If you leave it on for too long, the oxygen levels can drop slightly while carbon dioxide builds up. This can make the driver feel tired or “drowsy, headachy, or stuffy.”
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It Traps Internal Smells: If you have “gym clothes in the trunk” or just finished a fast-food meal, recirculation will keep those smells spinning around the car instead of venting them out.
Quick Guide: When to Press the Button
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