As summer approaches, it’s essential to ensure that your car’s air conditioning system is functioning correctly. A faulty AC can make your car ride intolerable, especially during the hot months. Inadequate maintenance of your car’s air conditioning system can end up causing significant harm, such as expensive repairs. Here are five tips for maintaining your car’s air conditioning system.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
A professional mechanic can help catch and repair any minor problems before they turn into bigger ones. Regular check-ups help ensure the system is working correctly and that all the components are functioning correctly. It also allows you to identify problems before the summer season, where there is a high risk of AC malfunction due to overuse.
2. Keep Your Cabin Air Filter Clean
Your car’s air conditioning system contains a cabin air filter that helps keep pollutants, dirt, and debris from entering the system. A clogged air filter can cause your AC system to work harder than it should, affecting its performance and longevity. As recommended, cabin air filters should be replaced at least every 12,000 miles or every year.
3. Verify the Coolant or Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels and leaks are the leading causes of air conditioner malfunctions. Since the AC system operates with refrigerant, it must be at the perfect refrigerant charge capacity. A loss of your Freon gas can lead to costly repairs, a total system replacement, or complete failure. Regular professional checks help to ensure that the refrigerant level is optimal, and the system doesn’t leak.
4. Keep Your Car Cool
The interior temperature of your car can affect the performance of your AC system. Parking your car under direct sunlight and with closed windows can lead to higher temperatures, making it harder for your AC system to cool your car’s cabin. You can also consider using sunshades or window block-out screens to keep the temperature of your car low.
5. Use Your AC System Regularly
Mental resistance to using your car’s air conditioning to save power during mild weather can actually cause the AC system to deteriorate rapidly over time. Your car’s AC components depend on proper lubrication often provided by operation. Running the air conditioner regularly helps keep the AC system in good working condition and prevent refrigerant gas leaks from drying out seals.
In conclusion, your car’s air conditioning system is crucial, and proper maintenance keeps it functional and efficient. By following the above tips, you can extend the lifespan of your AC system, reduce costly repairs, keep the air clean and your cabin cool. Not having a proper functioning AC system can ruin your driving experience, resulting in discomfort and reduced concentration while on the road. Don’t wait until summer; follow these tips and keep your AC system running efficiently all year round.
