Outside air vs inside air? Which mode is better for the car and you

Today, all cars are equipped with air conditioners. And, it is difficult to think about a journey without the comfort of the AC. However, though we use the AC regularly, most of us do not know if we should choose the recirculation mode or the fresh air mode to get optimum performance from the air conditioner.

In the air recirculation mode, the car's air conditioning system recirculates the air inside the vehicle for cooling. Selecting the fresh air mode brings in outside air into the car by opening an air duct in the front of the vehicle. Both these modes have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you are starting the vehicle after a long while or a few days, it is better to choose the fresh air mode because this will help flush out the impure air from the vehicle fast. Moreover, if you are parked under the sun, the mode will help expel the hot air inside the car faster.

However, if you keep the mode on all the while, you will be letting in all the dust from the road and the atmosphere into your vehicle. It can get stuck to the seat or the clothes of the passengers. Besides, the AC will need more maintenance too. Moreover, since the AC has to work a lot more harder to cool the air from outside, it could affect the mileage of the vehicle.

The recirculation mode is comparatively better. But, if you use it for long, the air inside will become impure. So, during long journeys, you can switch to the fresh air mode once in a while to let fresh air in.

Since the air within the car is cooled in recirculation mode, the AC has to work less. But remember to switch to the fresh air mode occasionally. But when choosing the fresh air mode check if you are moving through a place that is relatively less polluted.