Preparing Your Car’s AC for Hot Weather

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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Summer is Near

[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA CMP™]

[By Nalley Lexus Roswell, GA]

Dr. DEMAir conditioning systems are specifically designed to be largely maintenance free, but small issues can grow into big problems without regular checks. In short, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected in hot weather conditions. If you want to keep your cool during your daily commute or on an upcoming road trip, here is a handy checklist to help you prepare your car’s air conditioning system for spring and summertime driving.

Timing is everything

Don’t wait until the hot weather has arrived to start using and testing your air conditioning. Use the system regularly throughout the year, and particularly in the spring, when you have a few weeks before the hot weather kicks in to get any remedial work carried out. Test the air flow in the system. Turn the air conditioning on high and manually inspect each of the vents. Is air coming out of every vent? Is the air pressure the same around the car, or are some vents weaker than others? Change the temperature of the system. Is the air cooling down as you would expect?

Listen for strange noises

This isn’t about things that go bump in the night, but more about ticks, rattles, or knocking sounds that might indicate there’s a problem with the system. Listen at each vent and also at the dashboard when the car is idle, and when you put your foot on the gas. It’s quite possible that there is a small obstruction (such as a leaf or twig) somewhere in the system, or there could be a more serious problem.

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Jaguar 2000 V8-L

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Check out unusual smells

Excessive oily, mechanical smells could indicate that the system is damaged or underperforming in some way and may need mechanical attention. Stale or unpleasant odors may indicate that the air filter needs replacing or that something is caught somewhere in the system. Your owner’s manual will be able to tell you how to change the filter, or get your mechanic on the case if you’d rather not do it yourself.

Check the coolant level

If the air is powerful but doesn’t appear to cool properly, you may have a problem with the coolant level in your air conditioning system. This will naturally deplete over time, but low levels may also indicate a leak in or damage to the system. The owner’s manual for your car can probably give you instructions on how to check, but if you’re unsure, consult a trusted mechanic for a second opinion.

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JAG Bay

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Assessment

Though your vehicle’s air conditioning system may not require frequent attention, scheduled maintenance checks are the key to keeping the cabin comfortable and your bank account safe from costly repair bills

Boys and their Toys

Doctors and their Cars

Conclusion

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