Expert maintenance tips for your vehicle's air conditioning system.
There is never really a good time for the A/C in your vehicle to fail since it is integral for your comfort. This is particularly true during hot weather when the high temperatures can get very uncomfortable. Despite this, a check of the air conditioning system may not always be included during regular vehicle maintenance. You therefore need to devote some of your attention to making sure the system is running properly. There are a number of practices you can employ to ensure longevity and keep your A/C in tip-top shape. If you're a car owner, here are some good maintenance tips for your air conditioning.
Recharge your system regularly.
Leakage of the refrigerant in your air conditioning system is often the major cause of inefficient cooling. As the refrigerant leaks or deteriorates, the system becomes less efficient in turning the remaining fluid from liquid to gas, an important step in its cooling process. Remember to ask your mechanic to run an auto A/C diagnostic during servicing. It isn't normally part of the servicing checklist and may be overlooked. Recharging of your A/C is in order if the levels are low. Also, remember to recharge your A/C with gas and lubricant every two years for the best effect.
Run the A/C at least once every week.
Sometimes, the temperatures may be cool so you don't feel the need to use your air conditioning. In such situations, refrain from keeping your system turned off at all times. Instead, keep it running for some minutes every week at the highest fan speed. Doing this will help maintain the gas pressure in the system and keep the compressor working properly. Also, it will ensure that the many valves, pumps, and hoses are kept well lubricated and in good shape. This will all go a long way in making sure your air conditioning runs smoothly at all times.
Use the defrost mode.
Don't forget to run your vehicle's defrost mode after using your cooling system for a long period of time. Running it for a few minutes will help dry out the evaporator core to keep your system effective. It's also a good preventive measure against the build-up of moisture in various parts of your A/C system. Wet conditions will encourage the growth of mildew within your system. This is often the cause of a musty odour that will make using your air conditioning an unsavoury experience.
