Many drivers recognize the dashboard icon of a car with a circular arrow, but few truly understand what it does.

This symbol controls your vehicle’s air recirculation system—a simple feature that, when used correctly, can significantly improve comfort inside the cabin. Whether you’re driving in hot weather, stuck in traffic, or passing through dusty or polluted areas, knowing when to turn this function on or off can noticeably enhance your driving experience.’

When air recirculation is turned off, your vehicle’s ventilation system pulls fresh air from outside, filters it, then heats or cools it before distributing it throughout the cabin. When recirculation is turned on, an internal flap closes, blocking outside air and allowing the system to reuse the air already inside the car. This creates a closed-loop system that helps the climate control operate more efficiently in certain situations.

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