What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Air conditioning - why is recirculate not default?

I have hired two different cars recently and now have a new Skoda, and all three default to air circulation off when the a/c button is pressed. I would expect recirculate to be the more logical default, because otherwise more air is having to be cooled. What is the thinking behind this arrangement?

Asked on 19 December 2015 by Peter Thomas

Answered by Honest John
The reason is that if people get into a hot car and switch on the a/c with re-circulate, noxious fumes from the hot plastics are recirculated and inhaled. Switching to admit outside air while the car initially cools down is safer for the occupants.
Tags: air con
Similar questions
I had my air-conditioning regased but when I went to put it on again the next summer it wasn't working and the same garage said it needed regassing again. They also said I should keep my air-conditioning...
Is it true that you should have your recirculation button on all the time in summer when you are running the air conditioning?
How often should the aircon be serviced on my car?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer