Car AC Maintenance: 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Air Conditioner

Are you one of the nearly 33% of Americans planning to take a road trip this summer? The last thing you’ll want to worry about when hitting the road is a broken AC on a hot afternoon.

Regular car AC maintenance is crucial to keeping you cool during a summer road trip. But, how does car air conditioning work? And is there something you can do to keep it running properly?

You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for the 5 things you can do to help keep your car AC working for years to come.

1. Use It on a Regular Basis

You might think that using your AC too much will cause it to break down faster, but not using it enough can cause issues as well. If your AC sits unused for too long, the compressor may eventually stop working. This will put you in an uncomfortable position the next time you need to cool down.

To keep the compressor working well, make sure to turn on the AC to the highest setting at least once a week. Yes, even in the winter!

2. Clean the Evaporator

The evaporator in your car’s AC system does the important job of collecting heat from the air to help cool it down. Over time, your evaporator will collect dirt and grime, making it harder to produce cold air.

Use an auto evaporator cleaner about once a year to keep the evaporator clean and functional.

3. Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Similar to the evaporator, maintaining your car’s cabin air filter is key to keeping your AC working properly. The cabin air filter prevents dirt, dust, and bacteria from entering your car’s AC system. When it gets too dirty, it can no longer do its job.

Generally speaking, you should plan to replace the cabin air filter every 15,000-25,000 miles. Check your car owner’s manual for the recommendation specific to your make and model.

4. Get the System Checked for Leaks

Small leaks in your AC system can allow refrigerant, which is a cooling agent, to escape. This leaves you with warm air blowing out on a hot day.

The next time you get your car serviced, ask them to check for leaks and repair any that are found to keep your system running properly.

5. Have Your System Serviced by Professionals

Just as regular doctor visits are important for humans, a car AC check-up is vital to keeping your system in good condition. Around every two years, your AC system will need to be recharged.

This process refreshes the system with gas and lubricant to keep all the moving parts working as they should.

Here for All Your Car AC Maintenance Needs

Now that you know the most important steps for car AC maintenance, it’s time to take some action. Browse through our website for more information about how to keep your car running properly and maintain its value.

As a result, you’ll have peace of mind that your car is ready to hit the road for your next trip.