Air Conditioning Tips to Keep You Cool

Summer is rapidly approaching. We have already had highs in the mid-80s, and it won’t be long before you depend on your air conditioning system every day. Summer is also the time of road trips and family vacations, and few things can ruin a summer trip more than an air conditioning system that isn’t quite up to the job. Barry’s Chevrolet wants you to keep your cool and thus offers the following operating and maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in top shape.

Open the windows of a hot cabin before turning on the AC

If your car has been baking in the sun, the first thing you want to do is remove the hot air, and open windows are the fastest way to accomplish that, even when it is hot outside. After starting your car, open the windows and then turn your AC. Even before the AC air is cold, it will help push out the hot air. After about a minute of driving, close the windows and adjust the AC controls for comfort. The car will cool your cabin more quickly.

Use the Fresh Air Setting as the Default

The recirculate setting on your climate control system is useful when the outside contains smoke, dust, foul odors, or very high humidity. If none of those things are present, using the fresh air setting is best. Just as it sounds, recirculating mode keeps using the same cabin air over and over. After a while, this can make the car stuffy and even make the driver sleepy. Try to bring in outside air whenever possible.

Use the Coldest Setting

If your vehicle does not have automatic climate control, set the temperature to its lowest setting. Automotive cooling systems can generally bring cabin temperature down by 30 degrees, which usually brings things to a comfortable level. At that point, the best way to regulate your temperature is by adjusting the fan speed and turning the vent away from you if it gets too cold. 

Monitor Engine Temperature when the Engine is Experiencing High Load

If your vacation includes a trip to the mountains or any place with high inclines, be aware of your engine’s load during a long incline with the AC  on and a car full of people and things. Pay particular attention to it when you are towing. If the engine temperature starts rising, first turn off the AC. Turning on the heat is also a way to help cool the engine, uncomfortable as it may be for a few minutes. If the temperature continues to climb, find a place for the car to stop and cool down. Then, proceed without the AC until the incline lessons. 

Read the Air Condition Section of the Owner’s Manual

Believe it or not, that thick little book stored in your glove box is meant to be read.  The climate control system can provide helpful tips for your specific model. It should also tell you how and when to change your cabin filter, which is often overlooked. Look for advice on routine AC maintenance, including how often to check refrigerant pressure.  As a general rule, it is good to have the refrigerant checked once before every summer.

Keep AC Induction Vents Clear

The induction vents are at the exterior base of the windshield and are where your climate system brings in the outside air. These vents often collect leaves, pine needles, and detritus that float in the air or are blown by the wind. If left long enough, they may decompose and plug the water drains under the vents. This can run the risk of the organic matter developing mold, which can then be drawn into your cabin. Regularly, such as whenever you check your oil, take a moment to clear out anything collected on these vents. 

Be Aware of these Odors

Your climate control system can bring in plenty of odors from the outside, but certain odors coming from your climate control system could indicate a vehicle-based issue. Musty or mildew odors may indicate mold accumulating by your induction vents. Clean out these vents, as mentioned above, and then run your heater for a while, which can help dry out these areas. A distinctly sweet smell could indicate an antifreeze leak. Dealing with that will likely require a service professional. A gas smell suggests something simple like an improperly tightened gas cap, or it could be a leak in the fuel system, which should be looked at quickly.

Most of this you can do yourself, but you will want a professional to check your refrigerant pressure, and they can inspect all other parts of your climate system. If you are having issues outside of what is covered here, inquire with one of Barry’s Chevrolet service professionals on the proper next course of action.