Air Conditioning Tips
- Anytime your car air conditioner is not working properly, turn it off until you can have it checked by a reputable A/C repair technician. Continuing to use it can actually damage your A/C system further, and can add to the cost of repair.
- If your car is overheating, turn your air conditioner off. Excess pressure builds up in the A/C system and can cause damage to the A/C components as well as cause other serious problems with the engine and transmission systems. Also, the A/C will put more load on the engine cooling system and add to the overheating problem. Have the overheating problem evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.
»NOTE: If the temperature does not come down quickly, turn the engine off and let it cool down. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT! Serious injury will result.
- Do not sit in the car in a hot parking lot for long periods of time while running the A/C. The pressures in the A/C system build up and can cause damage to the A/C components and create unnecessary repairs. Find a cool place to wait inside a building.
- Many newer cars are now equipped with “cabin air filters.” Check your owner's manual to determine when the filters should be changed.
- Keep leaves clear of the area above the firewall, or near the windshield of the car. Leaves work their way down into the A/C system and cause problems with water leaking into the car as well as putting a strain on your blower motor.
- Keep the front passenger side floor clear of debris, and do not overload the glove box. Small, loose items, like bank receipts, napkins and empty plastic shopping bags can get pulled up into the A/C ventilation system causing decreased performance.
- Do use your air conditioner at least once a week for about 10 minutes, even in the winter. Doing so keeps the A/C components lubricated so it will work more efficiently, and will prolong the life of the system.