Although we’ve not had the best start to spring, with cold rainy days sticking around much longer than they usually do, we still need to remember that summer – and hopefully hot, sunny days – are right around the corner.
If you’ve been putting your summer prep off, now is the perfect time to get started. And your car should be at the top of your to-do list.
The Met Office predicts that 2024 could be the hottest year on record for the UK, and if you spend a lot of time in your car, a fully functional air-con is paramount.
In this post, our experts at CJ Auto walk you through everything you need to know about your car’s air conditioning system – from maintenance to repairs – in time for the summer.
Why is car air conditioning maintenance so important?
Like many other parts of your car, its air-con system is one that requires servicing over time.
Containing so many moving parts, from filters, fans and coolant gas, regular checkups, cleanings and top-ups are crucial if you want to keep it in good condition.
Luckily, maintenance is very straightforward, and all you have to do is:
- Make sure you regas your air con regularly
- Test run the system regularly
- Use it periodically in winter to dehumidify your car
- Have the cabin filter changed regularly
- Keep up with regular car servicing
With heatwaves becoming commonplace in the UK, ensuring the air con is working properly should be one of your top priorities if you want to avoid the torture of being stuck in a scorching hot car all summer.
What are the benefits of regular air-con regassing?
The most obvious benefit of regular regassing is being able to keep cool during the summer, but there are many other advantages that you may not have considered.
Increased fuel efficiency
In the current climate, we all like to know that we’re getting the absolute most out of what’s in our fuel tanks. And regassing your air-con regularly is just one of the things that can help you go longer between fill-ups.
When the refrigerant levels in your system are running low, it struggles and has to work much harder to pump cool air into your car, and it’s this extra work that guzzles the fuel in your car.
Improved windscreen visibility
Your air-con isn’t reserved for hot, sunny days, and you need it just as much in the winter as you do in the summer.
Ensuring it’s working properly is vital, as you’ll need warm air to demist your windscreen and speed up the deicing process on particularly foggy or icy days, to maintain peak visibility and keep yourself safe on the roads.
And, as we’ve mentioned, using your air-con in the winter ensures that the system doesn’t dry out and means it should continue to work effectively the following summer.
Increased car value
A faulty or non-functional air conditioning system will bring the value of your vehicle down massively, which isn’t great news if you’re looking to sell soon, as buyers will insist they pay less for a car that needs repairs or replacements.
With everything working as it should – including the air conditioning – you’ll be able to sell your car for its worth, if not more!
Longer lifespan
If you wait too long between air-con regases, it can lead to the system overworking itself and, potentially, burning itself out.
This can reduce its overall lifespan from around 5-8 years to just a few years, and not only will regular regassing help you prolong its lifespan, but it will also save you the expense of having to get it repaired every time it inevitably breaks down.
How can I tell if my air-con system needs repairing?
Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs you can be on the lookout for to tell you it’s time for an air conditioning repair.
The most noticeable is no cold air, or no air at all coming from your air-con when you switch it on.
Other signs include:
- A bad smell coming from the vents when the system is switched on
- Rattling or banging sounds coming from the system when it’s switched on
- Condensation build-up on your windscreen and windows.
Car air conditioning repairs at CJ Auto
If you suspect your car’s air conditioning is in need of a repair, or you simply want to be sure it’s in good condition before the scorching hot temperatures make an appearance, we’re here for you.
Here at CJ Auto, our mechanics have many years of experience in performing car air conditioning repairs and have all the necessary tools and know-how to help you keep it in top form.
To book a car air conditioning service or repair with us, give our reception team a call today on 01925 589 066 or email at reception@cjautoservice.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable date and time for you to bring your car to our garage in Warrington!
