Summers in Melbourne are so rewarding, despite the recurrent drops in the temperature and patches of unending rain. The days are longer, sunsets are beautiful and expansive hues of orange, and spirits are high and lively!
Treks, camping, road trips, or even a simple late-night stroll to grab some ice cream from Messina is so much fun! Great company, a killer playlist, and well-serviced ride – are all you need. And if you got the first two sorted, leave it up to us to get your car ready for all your summer adventures!
As rewarding as the summers are, the heat can sometimes be overwhelming and dreadful. Add to that the thought of getting into your car after it’s been parked in the sun for a few hours, (or even worse) only to find out that the air conditioning has given up. Definitely a major mood kill but totally normal to happen during summers.
Don’t let broken or faulty air-conditioning in your car cause you to delay or cancel any fun activities you have planned for this summer. Here are some of the things you can do to avoid any unforeseen breakdowns and make the most of all your plans.
Tips on Effectively Using and Maintaining the Air Conditioning System of Your Car
Park Your Car in the Shade – Wherever You Can!
It is indeed as effective and simple as it sounds. Not letting the heat in in the first place is one of the easiest ways to avoid your car becoming an oven during the summer months. Furthermore, it will allow the air conditioning in your car to become effective more quickly.
First Things First, Ventilate the Car
When you are unable to find undercover parking and as a result, your car’s interior heats up – firstly, open all windows and doors to let out the hot air trapped inside. This will allow fresh, neutral-temperature air to come in and thus, reduce the greenhouse effect. This also decreases the pressure on your car’s climate control system to cool down the cabin.
Pro Tip: Regardless of the weather and need, turn on the air conditioning in your car at least once every week – this allows the mechanisms involved to keep active and run smoothly.
Keep an Eye on the Refrigerant Levels
The climate control system in your car uses refrigerant to cool the air it throws out when you turn on the AC. A sufficient level of refrigerant is essential in ensuring that the air conditioning of your car continues to function properly and brings you respite on hot summer days.
This step may be skipped in a general/routine car servicing, therefore, remember to ask your mechanic to check the refrigerant level of your car AC the next time you send it over for servicing.
Get Your Car’s AC Serviced at the Beginning of Summer
Like most machines, the air conditioning of your car will perform best when it receives regular servicing. And while you can take some measures yourself, the car does require a visit to the car doctor every now and then. This will ensure all of the car’s mechanisms run smoothly, including the air conditioning – so you can live all your summer adventures to the fullest and without any interruptions.
Possible Causes & Signs To Look Out For Car AC Breakdown
A Blocked Condenser
The AC condenser in your car is responsible for cooling the high-temperature refrigerant back into a vapor when it flows through the compressor. Condensors often get blocked with dust or other kinds of residues, thus, interrupting the air flow that cools the refrigerant. Similar issues may be caused when the condenser fan is not working or working at a reduced speed. Such issues can impact the cooling ability of your vehicle, thus, impacting the car’s air conditioning.
Your Compressor May Have Failed
A defective compressor is one of the most common factors impacting the faulty air conditioning in your car. A compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant under high pressure before it moves into the evaporator and absorbs heat from inside the cabin. A faulty compressor is like a faulty pump and effects refrigerant flow, impacting the performance of air conditioning in your car.
Refrigerant Leak
This is the most common factor impacting the proper functioning of your car’s AC. As mentioned above, refrigerant is used to climate control the cabin, and sufficient levels of it are necessary to maintain a healthy air conditioning system inside your car. While the vehicle naturally loses refrigerant over time, a possible leak within the system can hasten the refrigerant loss and lower the performance of your car’s air conditioning.
At Car Servicing & You, we can repair and service the air conditioning of your car – in a timely fashion and make sure, your ride is all prepared to accompany you on all summer adventures! Contact us today to book a service/repair for your car.
