Car Parts Plus

Jump Starting Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

With summer barreling down upon us, more people are paying attention to the reliability of their vehicle’s A/C system. Some drivers have waited until now to fix problems that manifested long ago when the weather were much cooler. Others have noticed small issues – for example, higher than normal temperatures coming from the vents – and are concerned their A/C units might die when they need them most.

To prepare for driving in the warmer weather, we’ll take a preemptive look at potential issues you may be having with your vehicle’s air conditioning system. I’ll explain some of the factors that can impact your A/C and making driving in the heat less than pleasant.

Describing The Problem

Your car’s air conditioner might be suffering from one of a few different problems. It’s important that you identify what is happening and be able to describe it (or recreate it) for the mechanic. That way, he’ll know which path to take in order to resolve the issue.

For example, is the temperature coming from your vents warmer than normal? If it is, that might suggest a refrigerant deficiency. Or, is the force of the airflow weak? If that’s the issue, there may be a blockage somewhere within the air duct. Oftentimes, these problems occur sporadically. If you’re unable to recreate it, you’ll need to carefully explain what is happening.

Factors That Can Affect Your A/C

As implied above, warmer than normal temperatures blowing from the vents suggests there may be an insufficient level of refrigerant. In most cases, that means one or more leaks have developed. Leaks can occur due to the hoses deteriorating and splitting. They can also happen if there is a bad connection between the hoses and the compressor.

Dirt can also be an issue. When your car’s air conditioner is working properly, the refrigerant is the only element (aside from oil) that should be allowed into the compressor. If dirt gains access, it can cause the refrigerant to break down. It can also lead to a malfunction in the expansion valve and problems within the compressor itself.

Anything that restricts airflow through your car’s A/C can cause the entire unit to fail. The reason is similar to what causes your engine to overheat. If too much debris accumulates, that debris can restrict lubrication. That causes excess heat to build, which can cause the hoses to rupture or burst. Eventually, it can even lead to the compressor shutting down completely.

As summer approaches, invest the time to make sure your car’s air conditioning system is working properly. Don’t wait to fix small problems. If you neglect them, they will often lead to more expensive headaches in the future. By the time warmer weather arrives, you’ll want to have easy access to cooler temperatures while you’re behind the wheel.

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Summer Car Maintenance: Getting Your Car Ready For The Road

You should always keep your vehicle well-maintained. This is especially important during the summer because that’s when you’re most likely to take road trips. Investing a little time and money upfront will help ensure your car does not leave you stranded at the side of the road. That’s good planning.

Most drivers are understandably less than enthused by the prospect of popping the hood and getting their hands dirty. But, cleaning or replacing parts doesn’t need to be complicated or time-intensive. This article will provide a quick maintenance blueprint that you can use to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.

Check The Tires

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the ground. They’re in constant use, yet most people neglect to check their pressure or tread wear. If you don’t have enough pressure in your tires, your engine will have to work harder to move your automobile. That influences your fuel economy. Meanwhile, shallow treads can represent a safety issue, especially if you plan to drive in wet weather. Invest a few minutes to inspect the pressure and treads.

Check The Brakes

Brake pads and shoes wear down after continuous use. When they do, your ability to slow and stop your automobile will be affected. Like excess tread wear, this is a safety issue. The good news is that you can normally check your brake pads at home without needing to take your vehicle to a repair shop. If you bend down to inspect one of your wheels, you should be able to see the amount of space between the pad and the disc. A 1/4″ space is good. A 1/8″ space is a sign that the pads need to be replaced.

Change The Radiator Coolant

People seldom think about the coolant contained in their radiator, but it has an important job to do: to help keep your cooling system working properly. However, like the oil which lubricates your engine, the coolant begins to break down over time. When that happens, it becomes less able to do its job. Your radiator will eventually suffer corrosion and require expensive repairs. Take the time to have the coolant replaced every few years. If you plan to take a road trip, check it before leaving.

Change Your Air Filter

Your vehicle’s air filter plays a key role in your engine’s performance and health. Its purpose is to catch dirt and debris before they reach your engine. If it performs that job effectively, it will eventually become clogged. A clogged filter will block air flow to the engine and impede its performance. You should already be in the habit of checking it often. Definitely do so before leaving on a road trip; it only takes a minute to inspect.

Getting your car ready for the summer doesn’t have to require spending a lot of time or money. The attention you give to a few maintenance items today will help ensure you won’t experience automotive trouble tomorrow.

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