How to Clean the Air Conditioning System in Your Car

Summer has finally arrived. The scorching heat should serve as a reminder to car owners to check the condition of their vehicle's air conditioning (AC) system. After all, you wouldn't want to go on a long road trip with a faulty air conditioner or a stinky cabin.

But, before you rush to the nearest car service in Reading and possibly fork out a bit of money, you might want to try and do-it-yourself. Here's a handy guide to cleaning your car's air conditioner on your own:

Wipe the vents clean - This isn't as simple as it sounds. Because of the small slit, it is difficult to reach the inner parts of the vents where dirt accumulates. Because of its elastic properties, experts recommend using a foam paint brush, while the relatively thin yet sturdy brush handle allows users to insert it further to clean hard-to-reach areas. Please keep in mind that using this will force some dirt down the ducts and into the AC filter, which is fine because you'll be cleaning it later.

Clean the cabin filter - Cleaning the cabin filter is a bit tricky because it varies from car to car. However, it is usually found behind the glove compartment. First and foremost, remove everything from the glove compartment. You'll then need to find all of the pegs that connect the glove compartment to the dashboard and carefully disconnect them before you can get to the cabin filter. It is recommended that car owners replace the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year at the very least when completing a full car service near me. However, if the budget does not allow for the purchase of a new cabin air filter, this can be removed and cleaned using an air compressor to blow off the dust. After that, spray it with a car deodorizer and/or disinfectant before putting it all back together.

Brush/wipe the fans - Now comes the difficult part. Check to see if your car's engine has been turned off for a while. Open the bonnet and look for the air conditioning condenser fan, which is usually located just behind the condenser (perpendicular to the bumper). Simply wipe the fan blades if they are easily accessible. It would be preferable if you could remove it from the engine bay. Just make sure you remember how to reassemble everything.

Spray the condenser - Cleaning your car's condenser, which is the mesh-like part just behind the grille/front bumper, is another challenge. Yes, some vehicles may require you to remove the bumper itself to gain access to it. The good news is that once you have access to it, you can simply spray it with water to remove the dirt and air-dry it. Make sure not to get any other wires in the engine bay wet, as this could cause a short circuit. After all of this cleaning, you should notice an improvement in the performance of your car's air conditioning system. However, before dismantling anything, make sure to read your car's manual and do some research on it to avoid any inconvenience. If in any doubt, search online for a car service near me and let the trained car mechanics do the job.

The Value of Your Vehicle's Heating and Air Conditioning System

Heating and cooling in your vehicle is probably so automatic that you don't give it much thought. Whether it's hot or cold outside, you press a button or pull a lever, and your car is conditioned exactly how you want it.

When your car's heating and air conditioning system fails, you'll realise how important it is. A hot summers day in the UK can have you scrambling out of your car as soon as possible and if you can't get the heat to turn on, you might not be able to leave the house. Ice and moisture build-up on your windows can be exacerbated by a problem with your heating and cooling system.

How to Avoid Problems with Your Car's Heating and Air Conditioning System

The good news is that with today's newer cars, unless there is a manufacturing defect, there is rarely a problem with the heating and cooling system. If you have a newer vehicle, you should not have any problems with your heater or air conditioner until it has accumulated 60,000 miles or more. The older the car, and the more miles you put on it, the greater the risk of a problem.

That is why it is equally important to be well-versed in your vehicle. Don't just drive your car and ignore the small details that distinguish it. Instead, pay attention to the sounds it makes, the way your car handles, and anything new that comes up as you drive. Don't ignore warning signs, act immediately.

The best way to ensure your car's heating and air conditioning system works properly for the life of your vehicle is to maintain it properly. That means taking your car in for regular inspections to ensure everything is in working order. You'll know your car will be there for you, running properly no matter how many miles you have to drive, if you have a trusted mechanic on your side.