The air conditioner in your car is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It keeps you cool when it’s hot outside, so you can drive safely and comfortably. If you don’t take good care of your air conditioner, though, it won’t do its job properly and may break down.
Here at Vantage Auto Services, we have all the best secrets and tips for ensuring your air conditioner is working throughout the year. We’re experts when it comes to providing vehicle repairs and maintenance, so keep reading this helpful guide for the ways you can maintain your air conditioner! Put together by our team of qualified experts!
Regassing your Air Conditioner
If you notice that the car’s AC isn’t as cool as it used to be, or if the system isn’t blowing cold air at all, it may be time for a recharge. This is a simple process that can be done at most garages, including here at Vantage Auto Services. You should regas your air conditioner every two years, or every 80,000 miles if you live in an area with freezing winters, as the UK often gets. There can be a few signs your air conditioner needs regassing include bad odors or warm air coming from the system.
Check Coolant Levels
Coolant levels should be regularly checked because low coolant can lead to overheating. The best way to do this is with a dipstick attached to the radiator cap. Your owner’s manual will tell you what level should be in each part of the system. Make sure there are no leaks anywhere before adding more coolant; if there’s any doubt about whether you need it or not, call a mechanic instead of risking damage by overfilling.
A leaky refrigerant line or a leaky compressor can cause problems with your AC system’s efficiency. You will have to refill your air conditioner if you see signs of leakage, such as low levels of refrigerant in your vehicle or if you notice water dripping from under your hood when you turn on your air conditioning system.
Filter Change
Check your air filter regularly. Remove any dirt or debris from the filter before you start driving. The most important tip is to change your filter regularly. If you don’t replace or clean your filter regularly, dust and dirt will clog up the system, reducing its efficiency and causing damage. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how often to change the filter (usually every 12 months). Also, have an oil change every 4-6 months to keep moving parts lubricated and protect against wear and tear.
Clean Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are tubes that allow coolant from outside the vehicle to enter through one end and exit through another end while passing through several metal tubes which are submerged under water to help transfer heat away from them into the atmosphere around them. Over time, these coils will become clogged with dirt and debris which slows down their ability to transfer heat away from them efficiently.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Inspect all hoses and belts for signs of wear and tear; replace them if they’re cracked or frayed. Hoses should be checked at least once a month during the summer months, since they tend to deteriorate faster when exposed to heat and sunlight on a regular basis. You should also check belts each time you change your oil because they wear out much faster than hoses do (usually every 10,000 miles).
Inspect all electrical connections for corrosion and loose connections. Clean any corroded parts and tighten any loose ones before reassembling everything back together again correctly.
If you hear strange noises coming from under the hood when you turn on the air conditioner, chances are there is something wrong with either the compressor or condenser fan motor. Check these components first before deciding whether to replace them or not because they may just need lubrication and cleaning instead of replacement altogether (commonly known as “rebuilding”).
Get it Checked out Regularly
Like any other part of your car, regularly recharging your car air conditioner is key when it comes to keeping things running smoothly. Air conditioners should be checked out at least once a year by a professional mechanic or technician who can spot any issues before they become major problems. If you’re not sure how often this should be done or what kind of maintenance should be performed on your particular model of vehicle, consult with a professional mechanic or technician before taking any action yourself.
Get in touch with Vantage Auto Services for more information!
If you want to know more about maintaining your vehicle’s air conditioner, get in touch with Vantage Auto Services today! We’re on hand to help, whether you have questions or if you’re based in Newcastle Under Lyme or the surrounding areas and wish to arrange your air conditioning recharge. We’re only a phone call away and can’t wait to hear from you!
Interested in what else we can do? We also provide car servicing, MOT’s, repairs for your vehicle, and a range of tyre services to keep your car up and running!