Summer in Texas is a tough time for both man and machine. Similar to your body, a motor vehicle is made up of a maze of complex systems, robust parts and simple tubes whose main function is not only to power the engine but also to make sure the driver and passengers are kept cool and comfortable, especially in the warmer months. The last thing you want is for your car, truck or SUV’s AC to malfunction when you are on a long summer trip with your family. With your trusted mode of transportation set for warm beaches and hot days outdoor, a lukewarm interior may thwart your trip plans. Here are the best tips on how to prepare your vehicle’s AC for the tough months ahead.
1. Check the Cooling Fans
This is two-way traffic. For your AC to work properly, your fans must be functioning optimally. Checking the cooling fans helps you to identify some problems with the AC. Turn on the AC at its maximum level and check the fans to see if they are spinning silently and smoothly. If one of the fans is not working or spinning at a lower rate than the other, repair it as soon as possible so that they both run at full blast and sufficiently cool your car. Also, remember to check the air conditioning condenser to see if it is blocked by something that’s limiting the flow of air. Don’t be surprised to find debris blocking the air passage, and instead find an expert to help you remove it.
2. Make Sure Your Air Filter Is Clean
A dirty filter blocks air from reaching the AC, thus affecting your car’s ambient temperature. Air filters accumulate dirt at different rates depending on the surrounding environments, but be sure to always check them in the spring before things really start to heat up. If you cannot meticulously remove the dirt, certified technicians at your local auto shop will get the job done in a few hours.
3. Listen for Sounds
Most cars are designed to run silently. If you hear some funny noises coming out of the AC systems, get your hands dirty and find out the problem. Or better yet, seek some help from a professional to get down to the matter and solve the issue the right way.
4. Be Sensitive to Odors
Most car owners don’t use their noses to their car’s advantage. A functioning AC should vent in odorless gases. Smelling something unpleasant raises red flags concerning the state of the AC. Essentially, most car owners will miss mild smells, but try to look for any signs of dust coming from the ventilator before ruling out any AC issues.
5. Check the Refrigerant
A refrigerant is responsible for providing extra cool air during the hot summer months. Here is solid advice: make sure your refrigerant is dry at all times. In case you see condensation, seek immediate help from technicians. Otherwise, it can lead to much worse problems with the engine.
6. Check the AC Air Temperature
As all Texans know, you won’t want to sit in a car whose AC is blowing hot air in the summer, even for a single minute. If yours is continuously blowing hot air, you’d better solve the issue before launching any summer expeditions.
Conclusion
These are just a few ways you can check to make sure your car, truck or SUV’s AC is ready for the warmer months. There are a number of things that can go wrong with a vehicle’s AC system, but these checks should tell you if anything serious is going on with yours. Visiting a trusted auto repair shop is the best way to handle any of these issues if you notice them.
