With summer just around the corner, it’s almost time to prepare for sunny beaches, road trips, and avoiding those scorching seatbelts. With rising temperatures on the way, it’s essential that you don’t get caught without working air conditioning in your car.

To ensure your car is ready to cool you down during the summer heat, it’s important to complete regular maintenance and follow manufacturer guidelines when using your vehicle’s air conditioning. Don’t get stuck in the sweltering heat, ensure your air conditioning is in peak condition before summer arrives.

Using Your Car Aircon Efficiently

To ensure you get the most out of your cooling system, follow these often overlooked tips:

• Avoid Pre-Cooling: A running engine will turn faster, which will let your A/C compressor turn and cool the air quicker. It’s best to have your car running before you start the air conditioning.
• Start on the Lowest Setting: It can be tempting to blast the highest setting as you enter a hot car. However, this can lead to faster deterioration and will take power away from the engine leading to higher fuel consumption. Instead, start on the lowest setting and increase as necessary.
• Park in the Shade: Something as simple as parking your car in the shade will help prevent your interior from turning it into an oven. With a lower starting temperature, your A/C will not need to work as hard to make the cabin comfortable.

Warning Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs a Service

All car air conditioners will eventually require maintenance to perform at their best. Luckily, there are multiple signs to look out for that can indicate when a service is due.

Poor Performance

With time, you may notice that your air conditioner is not working as well as it used to. You can prevent small issues from developing into big problems by keeping an eye on performance drops and booking a car air conditioning service as needed.

Unusual Noises

A functioning auto air conditioning system should be relatively silent. Loud noises such as squealing, banging or squeaking are a sign that something could be wrong and may need a service.

Odd Smells

Vehicle air conditioning systems should also always have a neutral smell. It’s important to be aware of new odours as this could be an indication that your air conditioning system has built-up mildew and requires maintenance.

Leaking Dashboard

Keep an eye out for moisture on the front floor mats or on the dashboard. A leaking dashboard can indicate that a hose in your car is clogged and is unable to drain the moisture built up from using the A/C. This is a serious sign that there are issues that need to be assessed by an expert mechanic.

Your A/C Maintenance Checklist

Maintain Your Cabin Air Filter

Your car’s cabin air filter traps dirt and debris. Over time these filters can become clogged and lead to poor or unsafe air flow. You can check your owner’s manual for information on your car’s replacement process.

Flush Your Radiator

Radiator fluid keeps your radiator and engine cool. With time it can build up unwanted contaminants or debris. Flushing your radiator periodically is key to maintaining your engine’s operating temperature. The AC system will shut off to ease an overheated engine’s workload, so it is imperative that the engine is able to properly cool down. It is recommended that this be completed by a professional.

Check Your Fan Belt

Your car’s fan belt is a flexible rubber band which, as it rotates, provides power to various components in your car, including the A/C compressor. This band will degrade over time, so it is important to periodically check the fan belt to ensure the A/C is getting the power it needs.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Every air conditioning system will require maintenance to continue performing at optimal efficiency. While you can be proactive in the maintenance of your cooling system, it is always best to schedule a professional mechanic to service your air conditioner.

Hi-Mech Auto Solutions: Your Trusted A/C Experts

A well-maintained air conditioning system will run at peak performance for longer. It is always best to book a regular service with a mechanic, rather than waiting until you notice the tell-tale signs that something is wrong.
Professional mechanics are able to spot subtle warning signs before the A/C requires costly repairs. The Hi-Mech Auto Solutions team is committed to helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle with transparent communication.
To get your air conditioning system working at its best again, get in touch with the car air conditioning experts today. Simply give us a call on (07) 7517 0121 or or complete our online form to get started.