Reasons to Maintain Your Car A.C.

There’s more to your A.C. than just pumping cool air into the cabin; the system is also designed to remove hot air from inside the vehicle. This complex system relies on a variety of parts to function correctly, including the evaporator, condenser, and compressor. Like all vehicle parts, these items are prone to wear and tear and benefit from regular preventative maintenance and service.

Regular maintenance ensures your system refrigerant and lubrication levels are correct and reduced the risk of early compressor failure. Your cabin air filter traps pollen, bacteria, exhaust gases, and dust that have found their way into the cooling and ventilation systems before they make it into the cabin. A dirty or clogged filter can cause off odors or even concentrate air contaminants inside the cabin. A poorly maintained system can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungi, causing health issues and the dreaded “gym sock” odor.

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When to Service Your Car A.C. System

Some well-maintained A.C. systems can go the entire vehicle lifespan without needing to be recharged, but an annual refrigerant loss of 0.3-0.6 ounces is normal. Annual checks of the A.C. system will ensure fluids are topped off to offset this loss. Annuals checks can also catch and repaid minor Freon loss before a significant loss and damage is sustained. In addition to causing mechanical issues, Freon is harmful to the environment and your health (should it make its way into the ventilation system).

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Car Cabin Filters

As a general rule, cabin filters should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, though if you live in or drive through a heavily polluted area often, your filter should be replaced closer to 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Another sign that it’s time to change filters is if you get headaches, allergic reactions, or notice breathing difficulties while riding or driving in your car.

A clean filter will not only filter out dust, pollutants, or other particles from entering the cabin, it will also prolong compressor life and improve your vehicle’s ability to eat and cool. Having a well-maintained A.C. system can also improve overall fuel efficiency!