The Importance Of Air Conditioning Service For Your Car
It’s important to be able to rely on your car’s air conditioning system when the weather heats up. The A/C system in your vehicle will keep you cool and comfortable, whether you’re making a long drive or a short one. Even if you haven’t had any issues with your system, regular maintenance is essential.
Maintenance won’t just have an impact on your A/C system. It will also ensure that your car’s heater is functioning properly. The heating system in your vehicle helps to keep your engine cool when the weather is at its hottest.
How Your Heating System Helps Cool Down Your Engine
The cooling and heating systems in a vehicle connected to each other. When your vehicle is in use, combustion and friction from the engine create heat. Although some of that heat is removed by the exhaust system, there is still some heat that’s left behind. Your heating system can expel some of that heat from your engine and release it into the air around you. When temperatures drop, that heat can be used to keep your vehicle warm. If your heating system is malfunctioning, your vehicle could easily overheat when the weather is hot. This could lead to costly repairs, and could even cause your vehicle to break down.
Of course, if your heater is producing cool air, that’s the sign of another issue, such as problems with the car’s heater core, a lack of coolant, or issues with your vehicle’s thermostat. All of these problems can be addressed if you have your A/C system inspected or recharged. Regular maintenance can ensure that you have access to warm and cool air when you need it.
Your A/C System Defrosts Your Windows
When temperatures drop at night, a layer of frost may form on your windows and windshield. When the weather is humid, your windows may become fogged up. Your vehicle’s A/C system plays an essential role in defogging and defrosting your windshield.
On hotter days, your vehicle’s heating system can also be to defog your windows. If you are able to raise the temperature in the cabin of your vehicle, you’ll be able to clear away fog without using your windshield wipers. When it’s cool, cold air from your A/C can lower the temperature on the interior glass in your car, which can get rid of condensation. No matter what the weather is like, a professional at Heart Certified Auto Care can examine your system, ensuring that it’s able to perform this essential task.
Your Car’s Refrigerant Levels May Need To Be Topped Off
AC systems rely on a compound known as refrigerant. It is able to absorb heat from the air around it. When it is used in tandem with another component, such as a compressor, it can produce cool air. A fan is used to distribute that cool air throughout your car.
The refrigerant levels in your vehicle will naturally deplete over time. If there are no issues, more refrigerant will need to be added every few years. However, if your car has a leak or a clogged drain hose, refrigerant may need to be added sooner than that.
If you suspect that your vehicle’s refrigerant levels do need to be topped off, you shouldn’t try to do this on your own. Without access to the proper tools, you won’t accurately be able to determine how much refrigerant is in your vehicle’s A/C system. Furthermore, using the wrong type of refrigerant could cause serious damage to your vehicle. Instead, you should have the professionals at Heart Auto Care complete this essential task.
A/C Problems Could Be Caused By Electrical Issues
In many cases, A/C issues are caused by refrigerant leaks or a damaged or broken compressor. However, a faulty A/C system could also indicate an issue with your vehicle’s wiring. Frayed or snapped wires can cause a car’s A/C to stop working, but they can also cause more dangerous problems, such as a fire.
Electrical problems can be difficult to diagnose, which is why you should have your car inspected regularly. Our mechanics will examine your car’s wiring, look for problems, and will make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive.
With Regular Upkeep, You Can Rely On Your Vehicle
Many people assume that the heating and cooling system in a vehicle is similar to HVAC systems in the home. However, vehicles actually use many different components to keep a car warm or cool. These components include a heater core, a blower fan, and a thermostat. If even one of these parts is malfunctioning, it can keep a vehicle from producing warm or cool air. That’s why regular upkeep, such as checking for leaks, examining belts, and making sure there are no issues with the car’s antifreeze levels, are essential.
While it is possible to drive without A/C, even in warm weather, it can put you, your passengers, and your vehicle at risk. With no functioning A/C, there’s a high risk that your car’s engine will become overheated. In addition, driving without A/C can damage your compressor.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Larger Issues
The compressor is one of the most essential components in a vehicle’s A/C system. This part can also be difficult to repair and costly to replace. In order to keep a compressor in good working order, lubrication and refrigerant levels must be managed. This requires regular upkeep. Furthermore, vehicle A/C systems run on gasoline. If there are issues with A/C performance, it could have a direct impact on your car’s gas mileage. There are many minor issues, such as a leak or a blockage, that can cause much larger problems later on. Taking care of your vehicle’s A/C system can help you to avoid these headaches.
Car repairs can be expensive, especially if you’re not prepared to cover these costs. In some cases, these problems could keep you from using your vehicle for a period of time. That’s why you need to keep a watchful eye on your vehicle’s A/C and ensure that it gets the maintenance it needs.
Maintenance Can Improve The Air Quality In Your Vehicle
Your vehicle uses a cabin air filter to collect things like dust, pollen, and bacteria, keeping these substances from entering the cabin on your car. As you might expect, these filters can become clogged over time. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle as a musty smell, or if you’re noticing the smell of fumes in your vehicle, it’s likely that your filter needs to be replaced. This can be done as part of A/C system maintenance.
Neither you or your passengers should have to be exposed to allergens, bacteria, or potentially harmful fumes. As long as your vehicle’s air filter is inspected regularly, the air in your car’s cabin will be clean. We’ll make sure that your filter is doing its job.
How You Can Maintain Your Car’s A/C System
There are a number of steps you can take that will keep your vehicle’s air conditioner in good working order. To start, you’ll want to make sure you run your A/C for at least 10 minutes each week. This is something that should be done even when the weather is colder. This can help to maintain gas pressure, which can prevent issues with your car’s compressor.
Every other year, you should have a professional lubricate your A/C. Annual maintenance is also essential. Mechanics at Heart Auto Car can inspect your system, look for signs of leaks or damage, and provide repairs as needed. With proper upkeep, you’ll be able to rely on your system throughout the year.
When Should You Service Your A/C System?
If you’ve noticed issues with your air conditioner, such as rattling noises, a musty smell coming from your vents, leaks, or a lack of cold air, you’ll want to have a professional examine your system right away. All of these issues are indicators of a larger problem that should be addressed by a mechanic.
However, even if you haven’t seen any warning signs, you should still have your system examined at least once a year. It’s best to have your vehicle serviced in the spring or near the start of the summer before temperatures get too hot. Driving a car in hot weather without AC can be dangerous, which is why you’ll want a professional to confirm your car’s system is in good working order.
It’s easy to take your car’s A/C system for granted. However, if that system stops working, it could lead to part damage, engine troubles, and could make your car unsafe to drive.
If you’ve noticed any issues with your vehicle’s A/C performance, you should have your car inspected by the professionals at Heart Auto Care as soon as possible. We’ll work to diagnose the problem quickly and get your car’s A/C working again.
We can also provide regular maintenance so that you can catch issues before they spiral into a much bigger problem. It’s essential to have your vehicle’s A/C system inspected from time to time so that it can get the care and service that it needs.
