If your AC isn't cold enough - use recirculation mode

seatbeltnoob

The standard AC mode will cool the air in coming from outside and blow it into the car. Reciculation mode cycles in inside air around the AC system over and over again.

Standard mode will try to cool the scorching cold air from outside and probably not do well in a heatwave. But recirculation mode cycles the cooled air through the AC over and over again and you will get freezer-like cooling from it.

This should be common sense, but not everyone knows this.

born_again

Just remember that  Reciculation mode often iwill only run for so long before defaulting back to normal mode after so long, for safety reasons.

daveyjp

The system on my car selects recirc automatically when there is a large difference between outside and the climate temp setting.

ididgetwhereiamtoday

anything over 25 c outside I use recurculation mode. It really does make a difference.

oldernonethewiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82047832#Comment_82047832

I noticed mine does the same, very useful.

leosayer

I'd say my Toyota automatically keeps it in recirc mode about 80% of the time so it obviously helps.

Just don't leave it on all the time.

MattMattMattUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82047832#Comment_82047832

Yep, many will and they will blend in a small amount of external air at a rate they can actively cool to keep the air fresh.

eastcorkram

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82048261#Comment_82048261

What happens if you do?

MattMattMattUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82048270#Comment_82048270

In theory the air quality will deteriorate, CO2 will start to build up, O2 will deplete, overall air quality will decrease. Of course cars are not hermetically sealed, they leak air, they rely on positive pressure to keep road pollution and allergens out of the vehicle, so in reality in a full car with five people in and the climate control on recirculation mode that does not turn off or blend in external air it might just get slightly stuffy on a very long journey.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82048301#Comment_82048301

OMG - drive a car with the air con on and you will die 👿

Okell

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6673890/if-your-ac-isnt-cold-enough-use-recirculation-mode

Thanks

I used to know this but I'm so old now I'd forgotten!

My ancient car doesn't automatically swith to recirculation in super hot weather so thanks for the timely reminder