Tips for Taking Care of your Auto Air Conditioning

Nowadays, air conditioning in motor vehicles is standard and not a luxury. This technology has enabled us to enjoy a comfortable ride with cool air circulating within the interior of the vehicle. It can be quite uncomfortable to sit in a hot vehicle under the sweltering heat of the sun. In addition, it can be dangerous in cases of extreme heat for the elderly and young children. So, because air conditioning is important, you should practice proper maintenance so it works effectively in keeping you cool. 

Here are some tips which can help you experience cool temperatures in your car when you need it most.

1. Ensure that you clean the interior of your vehicle. You may have to get your carpets and upholstery deep cleaned to ensure that dust and dirt do not result in mold and spores. This can create unpleasant odors when the air conditioning is turned on.

2. It’s good practice to park underneath a shady area especially if your car will be there for a long period of time. The excess heat means that the car will take a longer time to cool so the air conditioner will have to work harder.

3. Do not smoke in the vehicle as the fumes can pollute the evaporator which can cause unpleasant odors which are hard to get rid of.

4. Practice to turn the air conditioner off before you switch the engine off as this will put additional strain on the engine and battery when you try to start the vehicle with the air conditioning on.

5. If you notice anything strange such as noises coming from the AC system, you should take it to be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. If there is damage to something major such as the compressor and the problem is caught before it affects any other component, this can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

6. You should have the air conditioning system serviced once per year. This may involve replacing parts such as filters and re-gassing. Adding your vehicle’s air conditioning to your car’s servicing list can extend the life of the system, enhance the quality of air and prevent harmful mold and bacteria from being inhaled.

7. Periodically turn your air conditioning on even during winter so it remains in good condition for when you really need it. The compressor can be damaged by it not being used for long periods. 

8. Even during the summer when the temperatures rise, you shouldn’t be tempted to blast your air conditioner on the highest setting. This will require a lot of labor from your engine. Instead, set the climate control to only a couple degrees cooler than the outside temperature as this is not only economical and takes less power from the engine but will also help the system to last longer.

9. When you are driving at speeds of 30 mph, then depend on rolled down windows to cool the interior. Use the air conditioner for higher speeds. Also, use recycled air to reduce the load on the engine for a comfortable temperature.

Follow these tips and you will have a well maintained air conditioning system and it will add years to your car overall.