Tips for maintaining a car air conditioner
Prolong the life of your air conditioner by running it at least once a week to assist in keeping the compressor seals lubricated, which will prevent refrigerant from leaking.
Remember your air conditioning system does not only cool your vehicle but in addition one of its primary functions is to remove the humidity from the cabin. In other words, use your air conditioner in winter to keep your windscreen free from fog.
When driving on the open road it is always a good idea to have your car air conditioner set to “flow through” ventilation and not “recirculate”. This is due to the fact that .5% by volume of CO2 is dangerous and mat cause drowsiness and headaches.
Research statistics from the Police Accident Investigation Branch indicate that a large percentage of vehicles involved country road accidents have in fact had their air conditioners turned onto “recirculate”.
It is good practice to get a full air conditioning service at least every two years. Try and do this before the hotter months start, as this will ensure that you are not caught out by a sudden heat wave at the start of the season.
Maintaining a healthy car air conditioner
The many hidden crevices, combined with the moisture build up and constant temperature variation in a car air-conditioning system, can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungus. This is particularly important for anyone who is prone to allergies or sufferers of asthma.
Warrandyte Auto Electrics mechanics can provide you with information on special sanitising treatments that can help to remove these contaminants. These treatments are designed to protect you and your passengers and also help to remove the musty odour that can be evident from the air conditioner vents.