Ever been stuck in traffic on a scorching summers day with a failing air conditioning system? It’s certainly not my idea of fun, but don’t worry, you’re not the only one to succumb to this pain.
Keeping your car’s air conditioning system in top shape isn’t just about staying cool; it also improves in-car comfort, prevents unpleasant odours, and enhances your driving experience.
However, your AC isn’t included in your MOT and typically not in your regular servicing, and as a result, is a long way down the list of maintenance priorities.
Because of this, it’s often too little too late, and we only realise there’s an issue when it stops working or the car starts to smell.
In this blog, we’ll provide essential tips for maintaining your car’s air conditioning system, including how an AC system works and what to do when it goes wrong. We discuss:
Before thinking about air conditioning maintenance, it’s important that you understand how the system works.
Put simply, an in-car AC system works by cooling the temperature inside your car, and also filtering out pollen, airborne bacteria, and pollutants. The air is cooled by a refrigerant gas which is then circulated throughout the car to make for a pleasant driving environment.
The system requires energy to run, so will use a small amount of fuel (or your battery for an electric car) when operational.
Even if you use your air conditioning every day, you’ll encounter issues over an extended period of time. For example, if you take out a four-year lease deal, it’s likely that by the time you come to return the car, its AC system is much less efficient.
To prevent this, look out for these signs:
- Weak airflow - Air conditioning is meant to come out the vents at a decent rate of knots, and if not, it could indicate a clogged air filter or a failing compressor.
- Unpleasant smells - The first thing you’ll notice is the smell. This is a sign that mould or bacteria is growing inside the system.
- Inconsistent cooling - If the air condition isn’t as cold as it used to be, it might be time for some maintenance.
- Strange noises - Nobody likes hearing strange noises from their car, and the same goes for your AC system. Clicking or rattling sounds coming from the vents can often signal a mechanical problem.
There’s nothing worse than getting in your car on a hot summers day, hands scolding on the steering wheel, and your air conditioning lets you down. Next thing you know, you’ve got every window open, and you can barely hear yourself think!
We’ve all been there, and it’s certainly not enjoyable.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, follow these simple maintenance tips every couple of years:
- Use your air con regularly - If you live in the UK, the likelihood is that you won’t be needing your car’s AC all too often. However, even during cooler months, run your air con for a few minutes each week to prevent the seals from drying out and keep the system lubricated.
- Close your windows when using your air con - When the weather is hot, close your windows to maximise the efficiency of your system. If the windows are open, you’re wasting fuel and pumping the cooled air outside.
- Clean the vents and filters - Sometimes our cars are more dirty than we’d like to admit, and this dirt and debris can accumulate in the vents and filters, reducing airflow. Use a soft brush to clean the vents and replace the air filter as recommended in your vehicle’s handbook. This should also prevent bad odours from occurring.
- Recharge your air con - Over time, the coolant used by your AC needs to be recharged to ensure all components are working properly. You can do this yourself by following the instructions in your vehicle's handbook, or as we’d recommend, seek the help of a professional.
While air conditioning is commonplace in most cars, ‘climate control’ is a relatively new system that is being increasingly used by manufacturers (especially in luxury cars). Both systems serve a similar purpose but work in different ways.
As you’ll already know, air conditioning is a system that sucks in warm air and releases cool air into the cabin. You can set it to whatever temperature you like, and when the temperature is reached, it will stop cooling.
Climate control is slightly different. It utilises air conditioning together with a cabin blower and the warmth generated from the engine to regulate cabin temperature. You select a temperature, and the system will automatically reach and maintain it.
Unlike air conditioning, you don’t have to manually adjust the fan or use the dial - it will simply do it itself.
In some cars, climate control is available in dual, tri, or quad-zone form. This allows you to regulate different temperatures for different parts of the car.
For example, a dual-zone climate control system separates the driver and front passenger into different zones, allowing each person to control their own temperature. Then, when the temperature is reached, the system will regulate the car to ensure it is maintained.
While a lot of basic maintenance can be done from home, some tasks are better left to the experts. If you’ve got a lease contract with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we recommend getting all air conditioning-related servicing completed at a VAT-registered garage.
You should schedule this if:
- You notice persistent issues with your AC.
- Your AC requires a recharge, or there’s a leak.
- Strange noises or persistent smells after cleaning your AC.
Maintaining your car’s air conditioning isn’t just about comfort, what are the tangible benefits?
- Improved fuel efficiency - Air conditioning uses fuel when it's in use, and according to KwikFit, can increase fuel usage by as much as 10%. The more you maintain the system, the more efficient it runs, reducing the strain on your engine.
- Better air quality - Maintaining your air conditioning ensures your car is fresh and allergens-free.
- Prolonged lifespan - Regular maintenance on your air conditioning ensures it stays in top condition for years, saving you money.
The same can be said for regular car maintenance, which ensures it remains in the best condition possible.
If you want peace of mind concerning maintenance, consider a vehicle maintenance contract with your lease contract.
Maintaining your car's air conditioning system doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular use, cleaning, and occasional maintenance, you can enjoy clean and cool air all year round.
Looking for more car maintenance advice? Check out some of our blogs, including How and When to Replace Your Brakes and Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights.
If you’re looking for stress-free maintenance, consider one of our vehicle maintenance contracts, providing peace of mind for the duration of your lease deal.
