29 Jul 3 Tips To Keep Your Car’s A/C Cool This Summer
With the summer temperatures continuing to rise, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to stay cool in your car. A good start would be to schedule a Service with your Auto Repair Shop to have a Coolant Flush and an A/C Service. Having them replace the Cabin Air Filter and do a Refrigerant Recharge may help your car’s A/C stay cool all summer. Continue reading for more helpful tips you can do.
1. Car’s A/C Service
Your Car’s A/C system should be checked for proper functionality at least once a year. Low refrigerant in the system can damage the internal components, resulting in very costly repairs. Maintaining the proper amount of refrigerant ensures it is circulating through the system, lubricating all the seals and moving parts in the system. Any leaks found during an A/C Service should be repaired as soon as possible.
Refrigerant Recharge
The refrigerant in your car’s A/C contains a special oil that lubricates and helps cool the A/C components. This oil eventually gets used up. Your car’s A/C will still generate cold air, but the components no longer have enough oil to protect them from corrosion and wear. Old refrigerant can also absorb moisture within the sealed system and become corrosive to the A/C components. This corrosion may cause leaks in the system and can become very expensive to repair. Replacing or Recharging your car’s A/C refrigerant protects the air conditioning components and keeps the system operating at peak efficiency so it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is responsible for removing dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and other air-born contaminants from the air inside the car. If you notice a musty or unpleasant smell when you turn on the A/C, it may be an indication that your cabin air filter needs to be replaced. A clogged cabin filter can also have reduced air flow from the vents. A new cabin filter can greatly improve the air quality and the amount of air flowing from your vehicle’s A/C system.
2. Coolant Flush
The radiator is part of your vehicle’s cooling system and it is what keeps your car from overheating. It works by circulating a mixture of water and coolant/antifreeze through the engine. Over time this mixture can break down and become contaminated. Things like scale, corrosion and rust can clog and damage the components within the cooling system.
During a coolant flush service, a technician will remove all the old fluid and contaminants, clean the system with a specialized cleaning solution, and replace with a new coolant mixture. When your vehicle’s cooling system is working well, it helps your entire car operate more efficiently, which can have a positive impact on the A/C.
3. Park Smart
So, we have learned that routine car maintenance can help keep things cool, but did you know there are other things we can do that can help? Try them out and see how much difference they make.
Park in the Shade
Direct sunlight can heat up the interior of your car as much as 40 degrees, in as little as 20 minutes. Parking in the garage, under an awning, or next to a tree, can drastically reduce the amount of heat generated inside your car.
Crack a Window or Sunroof
Leaving your sunroof or car windows open 1-2” can also help reduce the amount of heat that can build up inside. Since heat rises, allowing an escape route for that hot air can really help.
Use a Windshield Shade Screen or Reflector
Studies show that reflecting or reducing the suns rays can significantly lower the interior temperature of your car. They need to be facing the direction of the sun, and they should fit snugly against the glass to prevent as much sun as possible from getting in.
Use Light Colored Seat Covers
Most vehicles come equipped with dark colored seats. Adding a light colored seat cover or towel helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the darker colors. They can easily be removed and washed when needed, and will help prevent burning your bum on a hot seat.
Quality Auto Service in Plymouth Meeting, PA
If you are looking for honest and reliable Auto Repair, our team of technicians are here to help! Plymouth Automotive and Tire Center is a full-service station providing complete auto and light-duty truck service. If you need an A/C Service, a Coolant Flush, or any other routine maintenance service, you have found the right place.
Schedule Your Car’s A/C Service
We look forward to helping you with all your vehicle servicing needs. Give us a call at (610) 825-6558, or visit us online to make your service appointment today!