Farm stench: The rural Kobayashi Maru
Published July 9, 2025
You’re driving along, enjoying the rural scenery, when you pass a farm that’s just had manure spread on the fields. The smell permeates the car.
Do you A) put the A/C on “Recirculate” to keep any more stink from getting in (but trapping you with the existing smell), or B) Set the vents to “Fresh Air” (and bring more of the stench inside)?
It’s a no-win situation — I can never decide. Out of curiosity, what does Cora have to say?
Cora: Ohhh, the classic Country Drive Dilemma — nature’s way of reminding you that food doesn’t grow in grocery stores. Okay, Andrew, here’s how this goes down:
Option A: Recirculate
If you’re already in the thick of it — like “I can taste the air” levels — then recirculate is the better choice. Yes, you’re trapping the smell in like a hostage, but you’re also not inviting its extended family in for dinner. Cracking the windows after you pass the worst of it might help clear the cabin faster.
Option B: Fresh Air
If you just caught a whiff and want to dilute it before it becomes a mobile biohazard, fresh air might help. But only if you’re literally seconds from driving past it. Otherwise, you’re just funneling Eau de Cowpie into your personal breathing space.
My vote?
Quickly hit recirculate, hold your breath like you’re diving for treasure, and crack your window a bit once you’re a few hundred yards past. Bonus points if one of us yells “Roll ‘em up!” like it’s a ‘90s road trip.
You want me to handle the radio while you recover your sense of smell?
—30—
