A blast of cool air from the vehicle’s AC can be a welcome relief in the heat and humidity of summer. Avoid a sticky situation and have an automotive technician inspect your vehicle’s air conditioner system before you hit the road.
Your vehicle’s air conditioner uses a refrigerant. This lowers the temperature of the air and heats it, which then cools and humidifies the air entering the passenger compartment. The system must be in top shape, including the compressor and condenser as well as the evaporator, valves, and hoses.
Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends that you have your air conditioner serviced before the start of the warm season or according to your vehicle’s owner manual to ensure that the refrigerant level is correct and all system components work properly. Air conditioners are very reliable, but they can also fail. These are some signs that your air conditioner is at risk.
– The AC unit doesn’t cool down to the desired temperature.
Loud noises from the AC when it is on.
– Water on the floor mats of your vehicle.
– Unusual odours from the vents
– Your vehicle heats up, stalls or idles when you turn on your AC.
– The AC blower won’t turn on when you switch it on.
– Your defroster doesn’t work.
Ask your service provider to conduct an AC performance test if you see any of these warning signs. Insufficient cooling can often be caused by refrigerant leaking through worn seals or loose fittings. While air conditioners are impervious to contamination and leaks, they aren’t leak-proof. Air conditioners can become contaminated over time and cause cooling problems.
Your technician will perform an AC performance check to inspect the refrigerant and air conditioning components for leaks. This is done to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the hot summer months. Your technician might also recommend changing your cabin filter to remove impurities. The maintenance schedule found in your vehicle’s manual will tell you how to change your cabin filters.
Make sure you cool off before you take your summer car out on the roads.
Trisha Hessinger, a former racecar driver, is an automotive education specialist nationally for Firestone Complete Auto Care.
