When to Use the Recirculation Button! ❄️
Did you know most vehicles have a recirculation button next to the A/C controls — but many drivers aren’t sure when or why to use it?
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
✅ Use it in the summer
❌ Turn it off in the winter
Why?
The recirculation feature reuses the air already inside your vehicle instead of pulling in hot air from outside. So on scorching days if you’re not using it, your A/C is working overtime trying to cool the hot air from outside!
Turning recirculate ON keeps your cabin cooler and reduces strain on your A/C system . Win-win!
☀️ Bonus Tip:
If your car’s been baking in the sun, crack the windows and turn recirculate OFF for the first minute to vent out the super-heated air. Then roll the windows up and switch recirculate back ON.
🚦 And in traffic?
Always hit that recirculation button! No matter the season. It helps block out harmful pollutants and can reduce the air pollution inside your vehicle by up to 20%!
🔁 What If Your Car Doesn’t Have a Recirculation Button?
Some older or more basic vehicles might not have a recirculation button — and that’s okay! Many systems default to pulling in outside air unless switched to “Max A/C,” which often automatically activates recirculation.
So, if you're sweating it out on a hot day, try hitting Max A/C — even if you don’t see a dedicated recirculate symbol (usually a car with a circular arrow inside).
