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While paying attention to the A/C maintenance schedule for a European car is the first step toward ensuring the A/C will work in the heat of the summer, it’s not the only consideration. Many motorists are surprised to learn that what causes the air conditioning in your car to fail in many cases is inactivity. If you want your A/C to work in summer, you need to run it regularly year-round and keep it in working condition.
Why It’s Important To Keep Your A/C Properly Maintained Throughout The Year
Just because the weather outside is comfortable enough to drive with open windows or cold enough to warrant turning the heater on, you still need to pay attention to your car’s A/C. Most Texas drivers don’t think about their car’s A/C system until the mercury begins to rise. Unfortunately, many people learn the hard way that even though it’s not hot outside, an A/C system can still deteriorate. Regardless of the temperature on the thermometer, it’s important to maintain your car’s A/C by taking the following precautions.
Regularly check that the system is equipped with sufficient refrigerant and regularly run the system. That’s right: it’s important to turn your car’s A/C on even when it’s not hot outside. Refrigerant doesn’t just cool the cabin air, it also contains lubricant oils that protect the system’s rubber seals and prevent them from cracking and wearing out. Turning the system on circulates these protective oils. Checking the system regularly confirms the system has the proper amount of refrigerant and lubricant.
Additionally, have your A/C system inspected on a regular basis for signs of corrosion. Tears and cracks can allow water and air to enter the air conditioning system and generate rust and debris within moving components. The more debris buildup accumulates, the higher the risk of A/C system failure. Debris can build up in the heat of the summer and during winter, too.
Tips To Extend The Life Of Your A/C System
Besides operating your A/C year-round, there are other actions you can take to maintain your system and keep it working optimally in the long term.
- Clean the condenser. Dirt and debris build up in the condenser and affect healthy airflow. When you take your car in for a condenser cleaning, that appointment also gives your service provider an opportunity to check for broken, faulty or loose parts.
- Clean or replace the filter. Just like the A/C filters in your house, the A/C filter in your car becomes clogged and dirty over time. Not only does a dirty filter lead to a dusty cabin, it also can lead to debris clogging the evaporator coil and minimizing its heat-absorption abilities.
- Check for leaks. Even minute leaks enable refrigerant to escape from the system. Eventually, minor leaks result in significant reductions of refrigerant and interfere with your A/C system’s ability to cool the cabin.
Have Your System Checked Before It’s Too Late
If it has been a while since you’ve checked your vehicle manufacturer’s preventative maintenance schedule for the air conditioning system, it’s time to take a look. Odds are good that if you can’t remember the last time you had your car’s A/C serviced, you’re due for an A/C checkup. If you’re located in or around Dallas, contact us at Southwest Auto. We’ve got the expertise, experience, and equipment to evaluate your A/C’s functionality year-round so when summer arrives, it will do its job.