Summer Is Ahead. Is Your Car's A/C Ready?
As a car owner, you know how important it is to maintain the vehicle on a regular basis if it is to remain efficient, keep going in all conditions and get you from point to point. As part of this annual maintenance, you need to take the vehicle in to a mechanic so that they can change the oil in the engine for enhanced protection. Yet, you may not be aware that you have to perform a similar task when it comes to the vehicle's air conditioning system, as otherwise, it will get gradually less efficient as the months and years go by. If you haven't done this before, what do you need to know about this approach?
Helping Your Car Cope
One thing is for certain in this part of the world — the summers can be very hot. Most people live their lives by going from one air-conditioned environment to another, and they may enjoy this convenience even more when they are stuck in a sweltering car. The A/C system in a typical vehicle is quite sophisticated and is designed to work well for long periods of time, but it will require maintenance, and you should get it refreshed before everything starts to get hot again.
Regas
When you do this, the old refrigerant gas is removed from the system using special tools, and a new and more efficient solution is introduced. Experts call this a "regas," and when they perform this task, they will also have a good look at the system to make sure that it is still in good condition.
Additional Checks
Typically, the technician will vacuum test the system to see if there are any issues that may need attention before the new gas is introduced. This will help ensure that crucial components, like the compressor and evaporator, are protected. Should the gas leak out through a crack in a pipe, then this could cause additional strain on the system, and eventually, an overload.
Your Turn
Some people think that this type of maintenance is included in an ordinary service visit, but this is not always the case. Consequently, you should talk to your service facility as soon as possible to see when this was last done, and if it has been some time, schedule an update. Remember, those summer days appear to be getting hotter each year, and you'll need as much protection from the elements as you can get when you are driving your car.