Some people don’t realize the condition of their car’s air conditioner until the summer season arrives. When the AC suddenly breaks down during a hot summer day, your ride becomes uncomfortable and difficult. It is important to maintain the condition of your car to ensure a functioning air conditioner.
Here are some tips you need to know to keep the AC running at maximum performance.
Run Your AC Weekly
To avoid any issues with the car AC, make sure to run it for at least 10 minutes in defrost mode on the coolest settings and with the maximum fan speed. Doing so will help maintain the pressure, clean out the moisture, and prevent mildew. It will also keep your compressor running well for a long time.
You should also do this during the winter as it helps remove humidity and defogs the windshield so that you can see the road ahead.
Clean the Filter
Make sure to clean the AC filters properly and replace them when needed. If the filters are left uncleaned for a long time, it will prevent proper airflow. Get it checked by an auto repair shop to see if the filters need to be replaced.
Besides the AC filter, also get your car cleaned regularly. If bacteria or dirt builds up inside the car, it can negatively impact the air conditioning system. Get rid of the debris by vacuuming and dusting daily.
Set Your AC to the Coldest Setting
The most efficient way to run your car AC is to set it to the lowest temperature and adjust the fan for comfort. Most air conditioners cool the air to 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
If you use a higher temperature than this then it will force the system to reheat the air which burns more fuel.
Don’t Ignore Weird Sounds from the Compressor
You should not ignore any unusual and weird sounds coming from the compressor. Such noises usually indicate issues with the drive belt, liquid refrigerant, and loosening of mounting bolts that secure the components of the AC.
All these issues in the AC system need to be taken care of. Get it repaired and consider a replacement if it is too damaged.
Clean the Radiator
When the engine is overheating, it can impact the air conditioning. This is because the AC condenser is located near the engine’s radiator. When the radiator gets heated up, the heat gets transferred to the condenser and adversely affects the working of the AC.
You can avoid situations like this by getting the radiator cleaned by a professional every 3 months.
Get a Full AC service
The best way to maintain the car AC in top condition is to get it serviced by an experienced automotive repair technician. A professional can easily detect any leaks or damage to your system.
They can recommend the best course to keep the air conditioning running properly. With a good air conditioning system, you can travel in your car comfortably during the summer.
