Car A/C Maintenance in Olds, Alberta
Car A/C Maintenance in Olds, Alberta
Car A/C maintenance is crucial when driving in an area with warm weather, and Hildebrand Motors can help you care for your system with the following checklist. Find out how you can tend to your A/C below, and contact us in Olds, Alberta for further details.
Inspecting the A/C System & Keeping it Running
Even during colder months, we recommend running your air conditioning system for about 10 minutes once a week, as it will keep the system's oil in circulation and its seals lubricated. These regular checks can also help dry out the system's air chambers to keep mold and fungus from building up, and we also suggest checking your condenser under the hood and cleaning it as needed to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Checking the Engine Fan & Fan Belt
Running regular checks on your car A/C's engine fan is equally important, as a malfunctioning fan can lead to added system pressure and cause its hoses to burst and leak. If your air conditioning's cold air begins warming while your engine is idling, there's a good chance your fan isn't functioning properly. As for the fan belt, we recommend checking its underside for cracks and having it replaced at our Service Centre if you detect any.
Checking the System's Operation
Inspecting your air conditioning's operation begins with setting it to the coldest temperature and the fan speed to its highest position. While the system is running, the compressor's clutch under the hood should be coming on and off every 20 to 30 seconds. If you detect the clutch turning over at a much quicker rate, your system is probably low on Freon.
What About DIY Recharge Kits?
DIY recharge kits can be a dicey proposition, as A/C systems can suffer from more than low Freon, which is a potentially dangerous substance best handled by a professional. Oil charge kits are also better left to professionals, and luckily, our Parts and Service Centres can work in tandem to keep your air conditioning system running as it should with the proper genuine components.
If you need an A/C service appointment or more tips regarding your system's maintenance, contact us at Hildebrand Motors today.