Summer is in full swing, which means air cons will be turned up to the max to keep you cool. If you want to get the most out of your air con this summer, here are some tips that should help.

Treating Your Air Conditioning Properly

Rolling down your windows while driving will only do so much. When it’s really hot (which is happening more and more in the UK), the air conditioning is essential to keep you cool, but not if it’s just blowing out hot air.

Your vehicle’s air con requires regular maintenance and care to allow you to make the most out of it, and save you from any costly repairs down the line.

To keep your A/C at peak performance, here are some tips that will help:

Run your air conditioning regularly

Your vehicle’s air conditioning system works best if it’s used regularly, not left untouched for months at a time then blasted on full for an entire week. If you haven’t used it in a while, run it periodically for 10 minutes to help keep your system from overloading in peak summer.

Keep your filters clean

Another function of your ventilation system is to filter out pollutants such as dirt, bacteria, or pollen. This can lead to a build-up of those contaminants within your air conditioning, which in turn can lead to bad smells coming from the unit, or a reduced air flow. Regularly changing your filters during your vehicles routine service prevents this from happening.

Re-gas your air conditioning

Your A/C runs on refrigerant gas which cools the air that your A/C system then circulates. When the gas runs low, your A/C may not work at all or may have poor efficiency. Re-gassing the air conditioning system should only be carried out by a qualified technician and reputable garage.

Keep your condenser and radiator clean

Your condenser is located behind the front grille. This is where the air is pulled in to cool the condenser. If this becomes clogged up by dirt, insects or debris, then it will create blockages that stop your air conditioning from running effectively. If you regularly clean your vehicle, this shouldn’t be an issue, but take care to check that the condenser isn’t covered in debris if you know you’re about to use the A/C.

Use your air conditioning effectively

Before you switch on your A/C, make sure that your windows are closed so that the cold air doesn’t escape the car. You should also start the A/C unit on a slower setting and gradually increase it to full power (if you want it on full), as blasting it straight away won’t cool you down quicker, just blow hot air around the car faster whilst putting a strain on the system. Once your car is as cool as you want it, press the “recirc” button to recirculate the cold air inside your car and stop it from pulling in warm air from the outside.

Watch out for early warning signs

Because many drivers only use their vehicle’s air conditioning during the warmer summer months, it often sits idle for long periods. That’s why it’s important to watch for early signs that something might be wrong.

If you’re a/C isn’t blowing cold air, has weak airflow, gives off unpleasant smells, or makes unusual noises, it’s time to have it checked by a mechanic. While these issues might be caused by something minor, getting them looked at early can save you a lot of money in the long run — an air conditioning service is far more affordable than a major repair down the track.

When You Should See a Professional

You can have your car air con serviced separately or as part of your regular annual service. If you notice any issues with the A/C, then it’s always best to have it checked by a professional before minor issues become major (and costly).

Our professional mechanics will conduct leak testing, pressure checks, filter and component inspections, and re-gas your air conditioning for you, giving you peace of mind that your A/C is working at its maximum efficiency this summer, and keeping you cool.

If you want to book in for an A/C service, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist.