Component checks for Car AC Maintenance:
An air conditioner in your car comprises several components. And if any of them fails to perform at their best, it will eventually result in the malfunctioning of the whole system. Following are the AC component check-ups, which should be done from time to time to prevent more expensive repairs:
- Check blockage in air filters and condensers –
If the air filter and condenser in your car's air conditioning system suffer from blockage, it causes obstruction of the airflow over the cooling coils of the AC. Due to this, washing the AC condenser from time to time becomes important.
- Removal of moisture from the cabin –
There are instances when the moisture trapped in upholstery or carpet mats due to liquid spillage over them can plague the car's AC unit. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to remove the trapped moisture from these areas using a vacuum cleaner as soon as possible.
- Cleaning of air filter –
The air filter of your car's air conditioning system can get dirty due to consistent driving in polluted or dusty areas. This filter is generally located below the dashboard and should also be vacuumed from time to time during general service check-ups.
- Cleaning of engine radiator –
The engine radiator is not a direct component of your car's air conditioning system. However, it can impact the cooling efficiency if it fails to keep the engine operating temperature at an optimum level, resulting in inefficient cooling by the car AC. So, it is essential to cleanse the radiator and top up the coolant level periodically.
- Check the condition of the drive belt and hoses –
The compressor of your car's air conditioning system is driven by the engine through a drive belt, which might not work optimally in case of lack of proper lubrication. So, it is crucial to keep an eye on the drive belt and gas hoses of your car's AC system.
Simple Daily Hacks for Optimal Operation of Car AC
Apart from the periodic check-ups of AC components mentioned above, a slight change in your daily driving behaviour can also enhance the cooling efficiency of your AC. Here are some daily driving tips to maximize the cooling efficiency of your AC:
- Park under a shade and not under direct sunlight
- Roll down all the windows and let the hot air trapped in your vehicle flow out before turning on the AC
- Start the AC at minimum speed before increasing the fan speed
- Use recirculation mode more for faster cooling
- Switch off the air conditioner before turning off the engine
