Here in Superior, we may not use our air conditioning as much as most of our fellow Americans, but we occasionally have our hot days. One thing about living near the top of the nation is that when we take our summer vacations, simple probability suggests we will head somewhere south. Nothing can ruin a summer trip more than an air conditioning system that is not in top operating shape. Benna Ford offers the following operating and maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in top shape.
Open Your Windows First
If the car has been baking in the sun, don’t depend on the AC to cool the cabin rapidly. The best course of action is to open your windows once you enter your car. No matter how hot it is outside, your cabin is likely to be hotter, and so are your AC ducts. After starting your car, open the windows and turn your AC on to help push out the hot air. After about a minute of driving, close the windows and adjust the AC controls for your comfort. The car will cool your cabin more quickly.
Use the Fresh Air Setting as the Default
The recirculate setting is useful when there is smoke, dust, foul outside odors, or very high humidity. The rest of the time, using the fresh air setting is best. The recirculating mode is just as it sounds: It keeps using the same cabin air. Over time, this can make the car stuffy and even make the driver sleepy. It is best to bring in outside air whenever possible.
Use the Coldest Setting
If your vehicle does not have automatic climate control, choosing the lowest temperature is actually the most efficient and effective. Most cooling systems can only bring the cabin down by 30 degrees and stop. At that point, a middling setting might activate the heater, which stresses both systems. Set it to the coolest setting and then regulate your comfort by turning the fan down or directing the vents away from you.
Monitor Engine Temperature when the Engine is Experiencing High Load
If your vacation includes a trip to the mountains, be aware of the stress that your engine may be undertaking during a long incline with the AC on, a car full of family and their stuff, or possibly even towing. If the temperature starts rising, shutting off the AC is the first measure. It may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, but turning on the heat at full blast also helps cool the engine. If the temperature climbs too high, simply find a place for the car to stop and cool down. Then, proceed without the AC until the grade lessons.
Read the Air Condition Section of the Owner’s Manual
Yes, that thick little book stored in your glove box is meant to be read. It can provide valuable tips that apply to your model’s specific system. It will tell you how and when to change your cabin filter. It may have advice on routine AC maintenance, including how often to check refrigerant pressure. It is a good idea to have this done at least once before every summer.
Keep AC Induction Vents Clear
The vents on your vehicle’s exterior near the windshield base are where your climate system brings in the outside air. These vents can collect leaves, pine needles, and other flora as they are pointed upward. If left long enough, they may plug the water drains in the system, which runs the risk of the organic matter developing mold that can then be drawn through your climate system. Regularly, such as whenever you check your oil, take a moment to clear out any nature that may have found its way on these vents.
Be Aware of These Odors
Odors can come from the outside or linger after a smoker or pet has been in the car, but there are certain odors you want to watch out for. A musty or mildew odor may be from mold accumulating in your induction vents. Running your heater for a while may help dry out these areas. A distinctly sweet smell could indicate an antifreeze leak. A professional should service this. A gas smell could come from something as simple as an improperly tightened gas cap, or it could be a leak in the system, which should be looked at quickly.
When listed out like this, it may seem like a lot, but much of this can simply become routine. If you are having issues outside of what is covered here, inquire with our Benna Ford service professionals on the proper next steps.
Connect with us
