Summer in Australia can get exponentially hot. Temperatures can reach up to 30 °C, so it pays to prepare for the blazing days ahead. Usually, people would remind themselves to stay hydrated and wear lighter pieces of clothing. However, one of the most important yet often overlooked tasks that should be done during this season is maintaining a car’s air conditioning system.
You use your car’s A/C almost every day, and it practically becomes a necessity once summer hits. Unfortunately, this can lead to overworked car air conditioners, which have a higher chance of malfunctioning when you least expect it. Because of this, it’s smart to keep these following tips in mind to help keep your car’s air conditioning system in good shape:
1. Have it Cleaned by the Pros
Letting a professional clean your vehicle’s A/C will ensure that the air will stay fresh and cool. The professionals, after all, have the proper equipment and experience to thoroughly clean the air conditioning system.
2. Regular Professional Maintenance Is a Must
It’s crucial to take your car to a reliable car air conditioning service regularly. When you allow car experts to take a look what’s under the hood, they can easily spot A/C-related problems and fix them before they can do more harm to the entire system.
3. Don’t Always Rely on DIY Jobs
Even if you say you have experience fixing your car’s air conditioner, it’s still in your best interest to let a mechanic take care of the repairs. The professionals have the experience, skill, and tools to fix any air conditioning issue without compromising your car’s health.
4. Have the Problems Addressed Quickly
The moment you notice your car’s A/C is acting up, you need to bring it to a nearby car air conditioning service center ASAP. It’s unwise to ignore the early warning signs of a damaged air conditioning system because it can affect the other components of your vehicle like the wiring.
5. Let the A/C Run for About 10 Minutes Every Week
Letting the air conditioning run for 10 minutes a week will help keep its gas pressure at an optimum level. It’ll also ensure that the compressor will work properly during summer. To do this properly, however, you need to turn on the system to its coolest setting and highest fan speed.
6. Let the A/C’s Defrost Mode Run for About 5 to 10 Minutes
Another thing you need to leave running for about 10 minutes is the air conditioner’s defrost function. Doing so will eliminate excess moisture in the system, preventing mildew buildup and musty odours as a result.
7. Remember to Recirculate the Air From Within
Switching to the A/C’s recirculation mode will keep the vehicle’s interior cool even when it’s hot outside. This mode is the best way to maximise an air conditioner’s operating power since it’ll only pull air that’s within the cabin.
8. Keep the Car’s Interior Clean
Dust, dirt, and other particles can hinder the air conditioner from working efficiently. For this reason, your car’s carpets, mats, and seats must be vacuumed regularly.
9. Don’t Pre-Cool Your Car
Although sliding into a pre-cooled car is comfortable, it can affect the air conditioner’s performance. The car’s air conditioning system can cool things more effectively when there’s airflow. Thus, instead of waiting until the car’s interior is cold, switch on the A/C once the vehicle starts cruising through the roads.
10. Park Under the Shade
When you leave your car under the sun for too long, its interior can get considerably hot. As a result, the car’s A/C will have to work twice as hard just to get the temperature down. That’s why it’s smart to park under a shade or install sun shades to avoid causing this problem.
Staying cool during Australia’s summer months will be easier if you keep your car’s air conditioning system in good shape. Plus, if you make it a habit of following these A/C maintenance tips regularly, your vehicle’s air conditioner will remain efficient all year round.