It’s one of those things that we often take for granted. Every time you’ve reached for those buttons, turned those knobs and set those dials, your air conditioner has always worked for you. That chilly blast is a blessing of arctic comfort in a vehicle where temperatures can rise well above 150 degrees in the summer. So, it’s no surprise that you lose your cool when there’s no breeze at the push of a button or no cool when you crank a temperature dial down as far as it will go.
What you can do
Getting stuck in traffic is enough to get even the most patient person hot under the collar, but getting stuck in traffic with no air conditioning in the middle of the summer can leave you steaming — literally. Vehicle HVAC systems are complex, and unless you’re familiar with how to work on them and have the necessary tools, it might be best to leave that to the experts at your local Milex Complete Auto Care location. However, there are a few basic preventative maintenance steps you can take to make sure you and your family keep cool this summer.
- Run the system regularly – It might seem odd to turn your air conditioner on in the middle of the winter, but that’s exactly what you should do. By running the air conditioner, you make sure that all the hoses, valves and pumps stay lubricated. That helps them last longer.
- Check your temperature – If the air does not get noticeably cooler then you may need to add refrigerant. With many changes to the EPA laws concerning coolant, methods of adding it to your car can depend on the age of your vehicle.
- Airflow is essential – Turn on the fan and put your hand in front of the vents. Check and make sure air is blowing out of them. Cycle through and make sure the force increases as you increase the speed. If you have a problem with any of these it could be as simple as a clogged cabin air filter or problems with your AC’s blower motor.
As with many things automotive, small problems left unresolved can turn into bigger (and more costly!) issues down the road. A thorough system check at a Milex Complete Auto Care location can keep you and your family road ready!
Give you’re A/C a helping hand
There are some simple steps you can take that will help you’re A/C work more efficiently. Rolling down the windows and driving for a bit before you turn on the A/C will help vent out some of the hottest air from the cabin, making it easier for you’re A/C to do its job. It’s always a good idea to start on the lowest setting and work your way up as needed. Using your recirculation feature will also reduce the strain on your system. Finally, consider a window film. Window tint has been proven to greatly reduce interior surface temperatures.
The summer heat doesn’t have to get you down! A little preparation can leave you way ahead and keep the rising temperatures from ruining your days. Make a quick visit to your local Milex Complete Auto Care or Alta Mere shop to get your car’s summer prep handled.