The AC system (air conditioning system) on your car is vital for comfortable and normal driving.
But seldom do people take care of this system, and remember maintenance only when it breaks down and when there are big expenses for repairs.
This article will show you some simple tips to avoid that in the long run. Most of them are easy to do; you just have to pay some attention to your car.
Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.
TIPS THAT WILL KEEP YOUR AC SYSTEM RUNNING FOREVER!
1. KEEP CABIN FILTER CLEAN
The first and most important tip is to replace the cabin air filter on time. Once a year is our warm recommendation.
If the cabin air filter is dirty or clogged, there is weak or no air circulation. Besides this, filth, mold, and bacteria build up on the filter, which then get into the cabin and into your lungs eventually.
For more information about how to clean the cabin filter, click here.
2. START THE ENGINE FIRST AND THEN THE AC
The next tip is to first start the engine and then the air conditioning system.
Don’t turn the AC on immediately; wait for a couple of minutes.
The AC system is a big load for the engine to begin with, mainly because of the AC compressor.
If it’s turned on before starting the engine, it burdens the starter, the pulleys, the serpentine belt, and the engine altogether.
3. USE THE “AUTO” FUNCTION AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
If you have an automatic climate control, avoid using the auto command. Simply, just turn on or turn off the AC system.
The auto command regulates the climate automatically and, by doing this, turns on and off the climate compressor while driving.
Although the engine system is adjusted to this, a sudden engagement of the AC compressor causes a small jerk to the engine while driving and puts stress on the engine, pulleys, serpentine belt, and else.
4. USE THE RECIRCULATION MODE
Next, use recirculation mode when possible. That’s the button with the circular arrow on it.
Recirculation mode closes the intake of outside air, and then the AC system recirculates the air that’s already cooled inside the cabin.
This means less usage and more efficiency of the AC system. Also, you can use it to prevent stench, smoke, and else from getting into the passenger cabin.
5. TURN ON THE HEATING DURING SUMMER
This tip may seem awkward, but it’s very useful. A couple of times during the summer, when you’re not driving, turn on the engine, let it get to working temperature, and turn on the heating.
Why should you do this? Warm weather can last for months, and during that period, the heating is not turned on. This can cause a scale and filth buildup inside the heater core and cause clogs, which means big trouble in the winter.
By doing this, you let coolant circulate through the heater core, and you severely reduce the possibility of this happening.
6. CHECK THE REFRIGERANT LEVEL
We recommend that you, at least every two years, check the refrigerant level in the AC system.
You have two options for doing this: the DIY option and the professional option at a dealership or local mechanic.
On our part, we recommend the professional option, since they have machines that clean, refill, and disinfect the whole system, and besides this, at least in my country, it’s not expensive.
Do what suits you best, but make sure you do it, since this is one of the main causes of AC problems on cars.
For more information on this topic, click here.
7. OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF THE AC
Lots of people use the AC system nonstop even if there is no need for it.
Turn it off from time to time, especially when it’s not that hot outside. Just turn on the ventilation, but turn off the AC compressor if you have that option..
This will both save fuel and seriously lengthen the lifespan of your car’s AC system.
8. PARK IN THE SHADE
The final tip is the simplest of all, and that is to park your car in the shade when you’re not driving.
Needless to say, this means that the cabin temperature will be much lower, and when you need to drive the car, you may not even need to start the AC at all.
An easy thing to do that will save you fuel, your AC system in the long run, not to mention the interior, paint job, and else.
CONCLUSION
In the end, every time you press that ON button on the climate control, know that you’re turning on a complicated system that demands some attention.
It’s not some magical device that produces hot and cold air out of nothing.
If you don’t have some primary knowledge of how to use it properly, it may mean malfunctions and expensive repairs in the future.
Not to mention a much higher fuel consumption, which is, in the long run, also a big cost.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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