With summer fast approaching, our thoughts are turning to blazing hot days, road trips to the beach and staycations aplenty. Whether you're planning on staying close to home or driving further afield, there's nothing better than a properly air-conditioned car on a blazingly hot day...and nothing worse than being stuck in a swelteringly hot confined space as you battle the holiday traffic to get to your destination of choice.
So, now is the time to get ahead of the game and start thinking about just how well your air con is functioning. Manufacturers recommend getting your air-conditioning system serviced around every 2 years to keep it working in tip-top order. In most cases, a full service of the system will include:
- A refilling of the refrigerant - known as re-gassing.
- Testing for leaks.
- Replenishing of lubricant.
- An anti-bacterial clean.
- Expelling any moisture from the system.
It's worth noting that your air-conditioning will not be checked as a routine part of your MOT, as it's not considered an essential to your vehicle. So how do you know when your air-con is flagging?
Here are 6 signs that you might need to get a professional to take a look (don't forget to turn on your engine and switch on the system first!):
1. Check the temperature.
Sounds obvious but make sure that the air blowing out of the vents actually feels cool. Anything that seems abnormal probably means that your refrigerant is running low and its time to re-gas.
2. Does it pack a punch?
Ok, not literally, clearly but the jet stream should be powerful enough to efficiently circulate cool air around your vehicle. If your air seems a bit low powered and lacklustre, it could mean that the system has a leak.
3. Silence is golden.
Other than the muted presence of a slight breeze, your air conditioning shouldn't make a noise. If you switch it on and the decibel level instantly shoots up, it's probably time to get it checked out as it could be a sign of a mechanical malfunction.
4. Check your windscreen.
And your dashboard for any signs of condensation. The presence of it may indicate that there is some moisture in your air conditioning system that needs to be cleared.
5. Use your nose.
Air conditioning should be completely odourless. However, over time dirt and dust particles can build up in the system, occasionally resulting in an unpleasant experience for your olfactory system - a bad smell to you and I. As a general rule, if it whiffs, get it booked in.
6. Use your ears.
Whilst the actual jet of air should be quiet, the compressor that powers the AC unit should be audible. Listen under the bonnet for a gentle clicking sound - if the system is working correctly, the clicking indicates that the compressor is engaging and disengaging as it should.