Keep Your Cool in Hot Summer Cars
When it's hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, AutoPair recommends having your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring.
"Making sure your A/C system is working properly will give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you hit the road this summer,"
Rich White, Executive Director, Car Care Council.
Not only do hot sunny days give terrible sunburns with too much exposure, but they can also provide unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle's paint. A vehicle's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. It is very important to get both your A/C and HVAC systems checked annually to ensure comfort year-round.
(HVAC) Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Facilitates in managing the pleasant climate inside the cabin by controlling the degree of hotness/coolness.
Typically, an A/C service starts with the technician visually inspecting hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks. They will also inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage. The technician then checks pressures to test operation, the refrigerant charge, and the outlet temperatures. If the system is low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. If your car is leaking refrigerant, that can damage your car and the Earth's ozone layer. However, if your refrigerant is in prime condition, you may just get a "top off." One other thing the technician might look for is refrigerant cross-contamination (mixing of refrigerants). This completes the A/C service check that your car should receive annually. Remember, the A/C service should always include an inspection of the compressor's drive belt and tension for no additional charge.
While having a good A/C system is great, it can't help you unless the car is on. We have all experienced those first uncomfortable seconds when you get into your car on a hot summer day, waiting for the A/C to kick in. Here are some helpful tips to help in those hot seconds.
Tip Alert!
- Use a sun reflector shade on your windshield
- Cover your steering wheel with a towel to keep it from burning your hands
- Cover your seats with a blanket or towel to avoid hot thighs.
- Keep windows cracked to allow for air flow
- A solar powered fan on your dashboard can be a great addition
- If there is shade, park in it!
This article was written with the help and resources from the non-profit Car Care Council. The "Be Car Care Aware" campaign is a consumer education program about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, designed to provide knowledge from all segments of the automotive aftermarket industry.
The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. To view the Car Care Council's consumer education website, visit www.carcare.org
