How to Keep your Auto Air Conditioning Staying Cool

While it is recommended that you leave the servicing and repairs of your auto air conditioning system to licensed professionals, it is helpful if you know about the fundamentals. It is useful when you can detect whether or not the system is working efficiently and when it’s time to take your car for repairs. Here are some basic facts which can make this hot summer a breeze to tackle (at least where your car’s A/C is concerned).

• If you notice any weird smells coming from your air conditioning vents, then there may be a build-up of bacteria. Microorganisms, mold and fungi will grow if your air conditioning system is not used regularly or just naturally overtime. This leads to unpleasant odors and the mold, fungus and bacteria can potentially give you headaches and flu-like symptoms. 

 

• Your air conditioning system may need to be recharged if the air isn’t cold enough. You may not even notice the difference right away, especially if the car is new to you. However, if you get the chance to compare it with someone else’s air conditioning, then it may be easier to tell the difference. The refrigerant gas which is used to power the system can deplete over time, especially during the long periods when the system is not being used like in the cooler months. Getting the refrigerant re-gassed can get you off to a cool start this summer.

 

• If you use your air conditioner all year round without extensive periods of breaks then you can help to maintain it. Leakage is caused when the “o” ring seals are allowed to dry out. Keeping your system running even during cold periods will keep it lubricated and sealed tight. Leaks are sometimes caused from cracks in the hoses. If the refrigerant has the chance to work, it carries lubricating oil to the compressor and keeps the seals and hoses from getting dry and cracked.

 

• If you notice unusual sounds coming from the air conditioning then you should have it checked out immediately. A noisy A/C system can be as a result of a damaged compressor. This is the most expensive part of the system as it is known as the “heart” of the system. It basically affects all the other components so if it seizes up then you may have to replace other parts as well which will make the cost of the repairs even more expensive.

 

• Inexperienced drivers tend to get concerned when they notice a pool of water under the car. This water is from the A/C after it has been used. The water comes from the evaporator which has a drain tube that permits the condensation to drain away from the vehicle.

 

• If you notice damp carpets or misting inside the vehicle, this can be as a result of a blocked or detached drain tube. This is an easy and low-cost fix.

Just as how you would take your car in for an oil change or to get your tires rotated, you should take it in for a servicing of the air conditioning as well. Having it serviced once per year will help to prevent any malfunctioning of its parts. This will ultimately save you money and give you the coolest ride over those sizzling summer months.