How the Air Recirculation Button in Your Car Works — and the Right Time to Use It
| Situation | Use Recirculation? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Hot summer day |  Yes | Cools cabin faster |
| Traffic or tunnels | Yes | Blocks exhaust fumes |
| High pollen | Yes | Keeps allergens out |
| Rainy or freezing |  No | Prevents foggy windows |
| Long trips | No | Fresh air keeps you alert |
| Smelly food inside | No | Flushes odors out |
Maintenance Tip
Check your cabin air filter every 12,000–15,000 miles. A dirty filter can make even recirculated air feel stale.
