15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
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Luke Shaff 
If you've ever noticed the recirculation button on your car’s AC controls but weren’t sure when to use it, you’re not alone! It’s a small but powerful feature that can make a big difference in keeping your car cool and your air cleaner.
The Simple Rule:
How the Recirculation Button Works
The recirculation button takes the air already inside your car and recycles it through the AC system instead of pulling in fresh air from outside. This is especially useful on hot days—if you don’t use recirculation, your AC has to work harder to cool down the hot air from outside. By keeping the cooler air inside, your car will cool down faster and put less strain on your AC system.
Pro Tip for Hot Days
If your car has been sitting in the sun, it’s best to roll the windows down and turn off recirculation for the first minute or so. This helps push out the trapped hot air before you switch to recirculated air for maximum cooling.
When to Use Recirculation in Traffic
No matter the season, always use recirculation when stuck in traffic. Why? Because pulling in outside air means pulling in pollutants, exhaust fumes, and carbon monoxide from surrounding vehicles. Studies show that using the recirculation function can reduce the pollutants entering your cabin by up to 20%—helping you breathe cleaner air while driving.
Bottom Line
A small button with a big impact—now you know how to use it to your advantage!
