The Strain Hot Weather Puts on Your Car’s AC and How to Prevent it from Causing Discomfort, Damage and Stress
The heat is on! In fact, New Freedom drivers can expect temperatures in the mid 90s later this week. And, when the summer heat is at its peak, your car’s air conditioning (AC) system becomes your best friend. Because, it keeps you cool and comfortable, making every drive a breeze. However, this summer’s hot weather can put significant strain on your AC system. And this can potentially lead to AC failures. So in this blog the experts at Meineke in New Freedom examine how high temperatures affect your car’s AC and share tips on how to prevent issues, saving you from discomfort and expensive repairs.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Car’s AC System
- Increased Pressure on the AC Compressor: The AC compressor is the heart of your car’s cooling system, compressing and circulating refrigerant. But, during hot weather, the compressor has to work harder to cool the hotter air. And this increases pressure and wear on the component, leading to overheating and potential failure.
- Refrigerant Leaks: High temperatures can cause the rubber seals and hoses in your AC system to expand and contract more than usual. And this expansion and contraction can create small cracks or gaps, leading to refrigerant leaks. Additionally, low refrigerant levels can cause the AC to blow warm air. And this can eventually damage the compressor.
- Overworked Cooling Fans: The cooling fans help dissipate heat from the condenser and radiator. But, in extreme heat, these fans work overtime to keep the AC system cool. And overworking the fans can lead to motor burnout, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing the AC system to overheat.
- Evaporator Coil Issues: The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the car’s cabin and allows the refrigerant to evaporate, providing cool air. But, hot weather can cause the evaporator coil to work harder. And if it becomes clogged or dirty, it can freeze over and stop functioning correctly.
Preventing AC System Failures in Hot Weather
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your car’s AC system. And this includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the compressor, and ensuring all components are in good condition. Because the professionals at Meineke in New Freedom can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
- Check and Replace Cabin Air Filters: A clogged cabin air filter can reduce the efficiency of your AC system, making it work harder to cool the air. So, check your cabin air filter regularly and replace it as needed.
- Inspect and Maintain Cooling Fans: Ensure that your cooling fans are functioning correctly. And if you notice any unusual noises or if the fans are not running as they should, contact the ASE certified staff at Meineke in New Freedom.
- Monitor Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC system to blow warm air and increase the risk of compressor damage. So, have the professionals at Meineke in New Freedom check your refrigerant levels regularly and top them off as needed.
- Keep the AC System Clean: Dirt and debris can clog the condenser and evaporator coils. So, clean these components regularly to ensure optimal performance.
- Use Sunshades and Park in the Shade: Reducing the overall temperature inside your car can lessen the strain on your AC system. So, use sunshades on your windshield and park in shaded areas whenever possible.
- Give Your AC a Break: If possible, avoid running the AC at full blast continuously. Instead, use the recirculation mode to keep the already cooled air inside the cabin circulating. Because, this reduces the workload on the AC system and helps it operate more efficiently.
Meineke in New Freedom Can Help You Keep Your A/C Working Great this Summer.
By understanding how hot weather affects your car’s AC system and taking proactive steps to maintain it, you can keep cool and comfortable all summer long. But, if you run into any problems, reach out to your locally owned Meineke in New Freedom to have the issue resolved immediately.
If the Meineke in New Freedom is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania:
- Meineke Car Care Center – Pleasant View Road
331 Pleasant View Rd, New Cumberland, PA 17070 - Meineke Car Care Center – Rodney Road
1775 Rodney Road, York, PA 17408 - Meineke Car Care Center – South Queen Street
855 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403 - Meineke Car Care Center – Market Street
2301 E Market Street, York, PA 17402 - Meineke Car Care Center – 2nd Street
201 N. 2nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349 - Meineke Car Care Center – Baltimore Street
871 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Street
1125 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Pike
6510 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 - Meineke Car Care Center – East Chocolate Ave
1401 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 - Meineke Car Care Center – Gettysburg Road
2236 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011 - Meineke Car Care Center – Jonestown Road
4509 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 - Meineke Car Care Center – Paxton Street
3098 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 - Meineke Car Care Center – Manheim Pike
1220 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 - Meineke Car Care Center – Main Street
5988 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
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