What Does the Air Recirculation Button in Your Car Actually Do? (And When to Use It!)

What Does the Air Recirculation Button in Your Car Actually Do? (And When to Use It!)

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Situation Use Recirculation? Why?
Very hot summer day YES To cool the cabin as fast as possible.
Heavy traffic or tunnels YES To block out exhaust fumes and smog.
High pollen count days YES To keep allergens out of the car.
Rain or freezing weather NO It causes the windows to fog up quickly.
Long road trips NO Fresh air helps the driver stay alert.
Smelly food inside NO You need fresh air to flush out the odor.

Maintenance Tip: The Cabin Air Filter

To keep your air system working perfectly, remember to check your cabin air filter. Most experts recommend changing it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If the filter is dirty, even the recirculation mode won’t be able to keep the air fresh.

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