It’s summer time in southern California and San Diego is having a scorcher of a week - and that means it’s peak season for car air conditioning. When temperatures go up, the load on your car’s AC unit is higher, especially if you need to run the AC over a long drive (such as a summer road trip!). Here are some tips to keep your car AC in tip top shape!
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How to ensure your AC stays in great condition
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance
We go over this in more detail in our post about the topic, What You Need to Know about Car AC Maintenance, but there are some basic steps you can take that will keep your AC blowing cold, including changing your air filter and recharging your system as appropriate.
Visual Inspection
This is especially key if you think your AC is blowing hot, but also comes in handy if you’re right about to go on a longer trip in the car. Take a peek under the hood and make sure there’s no visible leaking or damage around the condenser. Also check the condition and tension of your fan belt. If anything looks a little off to you, come see us! We’ll do a full inspection of your car’s AC system and make any recommendations.
What if my AC is broken?
If your AC is on the fritz and repairing it just isn’t an option, there are some things you can do to beat the heat in your car. Try and keep your car cool by parking in the shade and using sunshades on the windows. You can also put a portable fan (like this one) in for when you’re at stops and the open window isn’t helping. Cool drinks can also help you regulate your body temperature and keep from overheating in a hot car.
Air conditioning is practically a necessity in San Diego cars over the summer, and it can be brutal to drive without it through the heat of summer. Maintenance and repair before the problem is severe can help you save money (and sweat!).