Testing and servicing your car air-conditioner
Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors, but the heat can also make for some miserable commutes. When the temperature outside soars, the last thing you want is for your car’s air conditioner to stop working. Unfortunately, that’s a reality for many motorists. To avoid being one of them, it’s important to have your car air conditioner serviced at least once a year—preferably in the spring—by a qualified technician. Not only will this help keep you cool and comfortable during those hot summer days, but it will also help extend the life of your car’s AC system.
How often should you service your car AC unit?
To keep your car AC system running at peak efficiency, it’s important to have it serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. Spring is the best time to do this, as it will help ensure that your AC system is in good working order before the summer heat hits. However, if you live in an area with a warmer climate, you may need to have your AC serviced more frequently.
What does servicing your car AC involve?
When you take your car in for an AC tune-up, the technician will start by inspecting all of the system’s components, including the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. They will also check the Freon level and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks, such as replacing worn hoses or leaks. In some cases, they may also recommend replacing your car’s entire AC system if it is old or not working properly.
How much does it cost to service your car AC unit?
The cost of servicing your car AC unit will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as the frequency with which you have it serviced. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per year to have your AC system maintained by a qualified technician.
A properly working air-conditioner is essential for a comfortable ride, especially during the hot summer months. With a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can service your car air-conditioner yourself! Here’s how:
What You’ll Need:
– A Phillips head screwdriver
– A flathead screwdriver
– A ratchet and socket set
– A funnel
– R134a refrigerant (available at most auto parts stores)
– An AC manifold gauge set (optional but recommended)
– AC compressor clutch relay (if your vehicle is so equipped)
– Engine coolant (if your system uses it)
– Drain pan
– Clean rags or paper towels
– Safety goggles
Service manual for your vehicle (optional but recommended)
1. Park your vehicle in a level, shaded area and turn off the engine. Locate the AC compressor, which is usually located on the front of the engine near the serpentine belt. The compressor will have two hoses running to it, one low pressure (LP) and one high pressure (HP). If your compressor does not have an electrical connector, skip to Step 4. If it does have an electrical connector, proceed to Step 2.
2. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the retaining nut on the negative (-) battery terminal and disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. This will prevent any possibility of electrical shock while you’re working on the system.
3. Using your ratchet and socket set, remove the bolts that hold the AC compressor clutch in place and remove the clutch from the compressor shaft. Be careful not to damage the shaft or bearing when removing the clutch. Discard the old clutch as it cannot be reused.
4. Locate and clean any debris from both connections on the HP hose using a clean cloth or paper towel. If either connection is damaged, or if either hose is severely cracked or leaking, they should be replaced before proceeding.
5. reattach the negative (-) battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten the retaining nut with your Phillips head screwdriver.
Conclusion:
Servicing your car air conditioner is an important part of maintaining your vehicle and keeping yourself cool during the summer months. By having it serviced at least once a year—preferably in the spring—by a qualified technician, you can help ensure that your AC system is running at peak efficiency and that you’ll be able to enjoy those hot summer days without fear of being left out in the heat.