That's just the fresh air/recirc buttons and lever. The one with the circle in the car closes the outside vents (it sucks air from the inside and blows it back out the vents) while the one with the arrow coming into the car sucks fresh air from outside and blows it inside.

Cruise around with it on fresh, and when you drive by a dead skunk, turn it on recircuate. It won't suck the dead skunk smell in.