Car AC maintenance tips
If you have ever driven a car that does not have an air conditioner, or one that works properly, you know how important a well maintained AC is. The air conditioning in a car makes your car bearable to drive, even in the hottest of weather. The car's interior can grow very hot, and without a properly maintained AC unit, you will find yourself avoiding driving. Here are some tips for car AC maintenance:
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Run it in the winter: Ok, so while it does not sound great to run your AC during the winter, it is important to keep it in working order and make sure that everything stays in working order. So, to avoid the moving parts in your compressor seizing up, and to keep the refrigerant circulating so your seals stay soft, run it a few times each winter. Choose a nice warm winter day and run it for five or ten minutes. Do this at least once a month to make sure all the parts keep working and your AC is ready for the hot months.
Dilute your coolant: In order to cool your car, you need antifreeze and water. If you pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system, it won't work as well. Of course, don't use just water either. Your car is designed to use a combination. So, check the owner manual to see what ratio of coolant to water you should be using. If you are unsure, a 50/50 ratio is usually a good bet. The will help ensure good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiant, and the coolant will help prevent freezing and corrosion. So, you need both, and your AC will run much better if you use the right ratio.
Check anti-freeze and coolant levels weekly: If you find that it is low, you will want to fill it to the maximum fill mark. Don't forget the step before and dilute the coolant with water. If you want fast and easy, buy a premixed coolant that you can keep in your car for those times when you are out and about and need a quick change.
Flush the system regularly: Coolant can become contaminated after time. So, every two years, or five years, make sure you flush the coolant system. You can look at the owner manual to determine how often you need to do that. If you don't your radiator could be damaged, and heater core clogged. Eventually it could lead to thermostat and water pump failure.
Don't mix coolants: If you want to keep your cooling system in good repair, make sure that you do not mix coolants that are different colors. It is best if you use the same brand and same formula every time. If you have to mix brands, choose the same color, as it is usually a similar formulation. It is also smart to check your owner manual to see what they specify.
