How and When to Use the Air Recirculation Button in Your Car
Most drivers see this little dashboard icon every day but aren’t entirely sure how it works. It’s the button with a car and a circular arrow inside. Knowing when to use it—whether you’re stuck in traffic or dealing with a heatwave—can make your drive much more comfortable.
What the Air Recirculation Button Does
The air recirculation button tells your car’s climate system where to draw air from. It has two modes:
Fresh Air Mode (Button OFF): Your car pulls in air from outside, which is then filtered, cooled, or heated before reaching the cabin.
Recirculation Mode (Button ON): A small vent closes, and the system reuses the air already inside the cabin. This creates a closed loop, helping the air stay cooler, cleaner, or warmer depending on conditions.
