While most homeowners are very aware of the mechanical workings of their home air conditioner, your car’s air conditioner may be more of a mystery.
It isn’t serviced as often and, since the air filter and other mechanical components are housed under the hood, they don’t get much attention from the average car owner.
Observing routine air conditioning and auto repair maintenance schedules is the key to ensuring comfortable interior automobile temperatures all season long.
Air Conditioning Car Repair is Rarely a DIY Project
If you are super car savvy, you may be able to repair some of your car’s AC issues on your own. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
And, performing DIY A/C car repairs can end up violating your vehicle’s warranty, meaning you’ll pay out of pocket for future repairs that may have been covered originally.
Unless you feel the A/C repair is a no-brainer, we always recommend bringing your car to a licensed automotive repair shop to ensure your repairs are done correctly the first time around, and to protect your warranty.
5 Basic Tips for Maintaining the AC in Your Car
1. Run the AC every week
Mechanical parts require a happy medium – enough activity to keep the proverbial juices flowing, but not so much action that it leads to excessive wear-and-tear.
An A/C that sits unused for months at a time can wind up with compounded mechanical issues.
Try to remember to run your car’s A/C for a handful of minutes every week or so to make sure it’s running correctly.
2. Use your AC during the winter
This may seem counterintuitive but the AC is effective at controlling humidity levels.
Once your car is warmed up, using the AC occasionally during the winter months will decrease the humidity in the cabin, which will reduce the amount of fog on your windshield and side windows.
3. Use the defroster every week or so
Similarly, your defroster is an effective dehumidifying tool. Run it for five or ten minutes every week or so to get rid of moisture that may have accumulated at the base of your windshield.
Accumulated moisture can lead to mildew growth and unappealing odours in your car.
4. Recharge your refrigerant
Once your refrigerant gets low, your car’s AC loses its ability to cool the car efficiently.
Make sure the refrigerant levels are tested and replenished, or recharged, at least every two years to keep your AC in good shape.
This will also give your automotive mechanic a chance to notice any potential red flags that may require further AC car repairs down the road.
5. Have your AC serviced in the spring
Every other year, have your AC serviced in the spring months, before the hot weather kicks into gear.
This helps to ensure your AC runs consistently all season long and eliminates the chances of hot, sweaty car rides until you have time to schedule your air conditioning auto repair.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed mechanic if you notice any of the following issues:
1. Funny noises or odours coming from your AC
2. Air conditioning that doesn’t seem to be as cool as it used to
3. The AC fan seems inconsistent or the air seems to have varying temperatures
The Centre for All Your Car Needs
Peter’s Auto is the centre for all your car needs with over 20 years of experience in repairing a variety of cars along with up to date mechanics and equipment. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff will take care of all your auto service and repair needs.
Our shop is located in Kitchener, ON. We proudly serve the following areas: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph.
Click Here to Schedule an Appointment for your next service or repair today! You can also contact us by phone at (519) 578-4533 or email: [email protected]
