10/07/2022
5 TIPS TO PROLONG YOUR CAR'S AC
1. Don’t Turn on the A/C until You’re Driving
One of the best tips for keeping your A/C strong and high-functioning is one of the most simple - yet potentially inconvenient! To protect your A/C, only switch it on after you have started driving. This tip can be tough to remember, especially on those hot days when you are ready to feel that cool, refreshing blast of air.
However, starting your A/C before driving can strain and potentially damage your air conditioning system.
Why? Your A/C is operated by the engine’s crankshaft rotating the internal compressor. This system works when the vehicle is in motion — so wait just a few moments until your car is headed down the road to hit the A/C button.
2. Key A/C Components to Check:
Refrigerant: Your A/C is powered by refrigerant — a chemical that the A/C unit uses to cool down air as it moves through the system. If your refrigerant is old or low, the air condenser won’t have the ability to cool the air, leading to low-functioning A/C.
Condenser: The main component of your A/C, the condenser, is required to help cool down your air as it moves through the air conditioning system. If your condenser is worn or damaged, the air you feel coming through the vents won’t be as cool as you desire.
Filter: A blocked or damaged filter can keep cool, refreshing air from moving through the A/C and into the vehicle. The less cool air can flow, the harder the A/C will have to work to keep up. Make sure to check and replace your air filter often.
3. Recirculation Is Your Friend
Your A/C unit will typically cool down your car through two methods; direct cooling and recirculation. With direct cooling, the A/C will pull air from outside the vehicle into the unit, cooling down the air and sending refreshed air into the cabin.
However, if you want to save on energy and reduce the stress on your A/C, switch over to recirculation.
With recirculated cooling, your vehicle will take air that has already been cooled inside the car and reuse it within the cabin. This can reduce the time it takes to cool down hot, humid air outside by only using pre-cooled air from inside the car.
4. Keep Your Ride in the Shade
You can reduce the amount of stress on your A/C by keeping your vehicle parked in a shaded area during the heat of the day.
Each time you turn on your vehicle, the A/C will work hard to cool down the car’s internal temperature. If you can keep the interior temperature low by parking in the shade, then it will take the A/C less time to cool things down and help extend the life of your A/C system.
5. Routine Maintenance Is Crucial
Whatever you do, please never miss your scheduled routine maintenance.
During routine maintenance, a trained and skilled mechanic can take a look at your air conditioning system to identify and diagnose any potential issues. If you are having trouble with your A/C, a specialist will have the tools and resources to fix it the right way.
I remain
