The first day of summer isn’t until June 21, but here in Florida we’re already enjoying that summer sun. As the mercury climbs higher, your car’s A/C becomes more than a creature comfort—it’s a necessity. Keep it running with these tips:
- Take your car in for an A/C check: Even if the air is still blowing cold, belts could be getting loose or refrigerant could get low. Checking the A/C system regularly can prevent bigger maintenance issues down the road—and keep you from getting stuck with no air conditioning in the Florida heat. Follow the maintenance schedule in your manual for optimum A/C performance.
- Run the air conditioning year round: April and May can be downright balmy, especially if you’re often cruising near Jacksonville Beach. But run the A/C at least ten minutes per month—even in the winter. Running the A/C keeps the entire system lubricated, which helps keep seals and hoses from cracking and leaking.
- Consider getting an older system retrofitted: If your car still takes Freon and will probably keep running for years to come, it may be worth retrofitting it to take R134-A refrigerant instead. This newer material is easier for mechanics to stock—and dispose of—making it a more economical, environmentally friendly alternative.
- Ask for high-quality replacement parts: Not all replacement parts are created equal. Ask about what brand of replacement parts will be used if you need a new condenser, evaporator, or other auto A/C part. For instance, we use NAPA because the company offers superior reliability and a generous warranty on all its parts, which is honored at any NAPA Car Care Center.
Most air conditioning repair requires the expertise of a skilled mechanic, particularly if the refrigerant must be replaced or refilled. If your A/C is not as chilly as it used to be, or if it has stopped blowing cold air altogether, visit a reliable mechanic as soon as possible.
