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Function Ignored by 90% of Drivers Can Optimize Cooling and Reduce Your Vehicle’s Consumption.
Many drivers notice the button with the drawing of a car and a curved arrow, but few know its real power. This control, the recirculation button, is a simple and effective tool. Using it correctly can cool the interior of the vehicle much faster. Additionally, it is an ally to save fuel. Discover how to turn this forgotten function into an advantage for your comfort and your wallet.
What Is Air Recirculation and How Does It Work?
This fundamental component of the dashboard is the air recirculation control, identified by the icon of a car with a circular arrow inside it. Its function is direct: when activated, the climate control system stops pulling in outside air and instead uses only the air that is already inside the cabin. This action transforms the interior of the vehicle into a temporarily isolated environment, contrasting with the standard mode, which continuously pulls in outside air to be cooled. By creating a closed loop, the system gains faster and more efficient control of the internal temperature.
The Science to Beat the Heat Faster and Save Fuel
The ability to cool the car quickly on hot days is the main advantage of recirculation. In a vehicle that has been left in the sun, both the internal and external air are hot. If the air conditioning has to constantly fight against the hot air coming in, the effort is much greater. By activating recirculation, the system gains an advantage, as it breezes cooling an airflow that is already becoming progressively cooler.
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For an ideal result, the tip is simple: first, open the windows for a minute to allow the overheated air mass to escape. Then close them, set the air conditioning to the coldest temperature, and activate the recirculation button. This method dramatically accelerates cooling and reduces the time the compressor needs to operate at maximum power.
Saving Fuel and the Advantage for Your Wallet
The air conditioning system doesn’t operate for free; it is powered by the engine through the compressor. An intense workload on the compressor places a greater burden on the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption. This is where recirculation helps to save fuel. By facilitating a faster cooling, it reduces the intensity and the time the compressor has to work. Less strain on the compressor means a lower load on the engine, and consequently, a real saving, especially on very hot days or in city traffic.
Smart Use: The Balance Between Comfort and Safety
The secret to using recirculation lies in balance. It is an excellent ally for saving fuel and comfort in specific situations, such as passing through tunnels, dusty areas, or to avoid odors and smoke from other vehicles in traffic. In these cases, it acts as a shield, isolating the cabin.
However, prolonged use is not recommended. Over time, the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the occupants’ breathing accumulates, which can cause drowsiness, headaches, and loss of concentration, a serious risk for driving. Therefore, a good practice is to limit its use to periods of 5 to 10 minutes. Once the cabin reaches a pleasant temperature, or on long trips, it is best to deactivate recirculation and allow fresh air inside, ensuring the renewal of oxygen.
Another point of attention is the fogging of the windows. The humidity from our breath gets trapped in the cabin and condenses on the glass, especially on cold or rainy days. For that reason, recirculation is not the best choice for defogging. The most effective way is actually the opposite: turn off recirculation and turn on the air conditioning, directing the flow of fresh air to the windshield. The air conditioning acts as a dehumidifier, removing moisture and quickly clearing the glass.
Tudo bem, que ativar a recirculacão pode resfriar mais rápido
Entretanto quaisquer ação que se faça nos controles não interfere na potência ou regulagem do compressor.
Ao ligar o ar condicionado o compressor ja trabalha em sua potência máxima, o único controle que se possa fazer e da velocidade do ventilador. Por tanto não existe ainda um sistema de controlar a potência do compressor.
Ligou, o consumo de potência é único, não contribuindo para economizar combustível.
Olá, Lourival!
Não são todos os sistemas que funcionam da forma que você explicou. Geralmente os sistemas mais antigos, e alguns pouquíssimos atuais não possuem este controle de eficiência com a diminuição da temperatura interna do veículo. Os veículos atualmente possuem compressores com sensores e atuadores que aumentam ou diminuem a eficiência e potência do compressor de acordo com a temperatura interna, temperatura externa e radiação solar. Nos modelos mais tops, existem até uma válvula eletrônica que faz esta função. Digo tudo isto, pois sou profissional da área de refrigeração veicular há mais de 33 anos. O seu comentário foi bem pertinente, mas a matéria está correta em suas explicações.