Winter has arrived and it’s time to switch our vehicle air conditioning from cooling to heating to keep us warm and cozy in these cold and dormant months. But while vehicle air conditioning units are built to withstand the variations of the seasons with minimum maintenance, even the most reliable unit can benefit further from a little tender loving care.
An important note before we begin: when it comes to servicing vehicle air conditioning units, you should always use a licensed technician like those we have here in IT Garage. We have specialists in providing car air conditioning services who can work on complicated tasks. So if it’s been a while since your last service, post-Summer is a great time to organize a professional check-up.
But before our maintenance and preparation tips, let’s look into the reasons why you should use your car air con when it’s winter. Should you really use the heater mode? Why can’t you just wear warmers and turn of the AC unit altogether?
Let’s find out!
Using Car Air Con in Winter
It may seem counter intuitive to prep your car’s air conditioner for the winter. After all, the last thing you would need while driving in the winter is your AC blowing in your face. However, your AC does a lot more than just pump out cold air. For your safety while driving, it is important to prepare your car’s air conditioner for winter and maintain it throughout the season. Here’s why.
Road Safety
Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit does much more than blow cold air on hot days. It is also responsible for removing humidity from the air. Because of this, it is able to perform tasks like defrosting and defogging your windshield to improve visibility.
Having improved visibility is especially important during the winter as the days are shorter. You will find that you are driving in the dark more often than usual. Even if your windshield is slightly fogged, you won’t be able to see out due to the lack of light. Using the defogging function of your AC should clear up any fog present on your windshield.
Now heading on prepping and maintaining your vehicle air conditioning during the winter season, it shouldn’t much of a hassle. In fact, there are a few things you can do to make sure it continues to function at its best over the colder months.
Car Air Con Simple Maintenance for the Winter
1. Run the AC for about ten minutes once a week
It’s important to continue using your vehicle’s AC throughout winter. This will maintain the gas pressure necessary to keep the compressor working properly. Try to run the system at least 10 minutes per week. Aside from keeping your AC in optimal condition, this can help ensure your windows don’t fog.
2. Run defrost mode for a few minutes
By running your AC system in defrost mode for five to ten minutes, you clean out excessive moisture and prevent mildew from building up. This prevents unsavory odors from developing in your car.
3. Recharge your air conditioning system
Your car loses a small portion of its refrigerant every time you use it, that’s why car manufacturers recommend that you recharge your AC system’s refrigerant every two years. When did you last have your system recharged? If it’s been that long, then it’s time to top up your AC system’s liquid parts. You can do this step if you have the tools and the know-hows, otherwise let an expert from the nearest car aircon service shop handle it.
Car Air Con Winter Prep and Maintenance Benefits
Your air conditioner is one of the more expensive components in your car. It is very expensive to repair or replace. Fortunately, if you are properly maintaining it, you will dramatically extend its working life. By performing simple preventative maintenance, you will also save yourself some money. The concept is simple: the less you have to take it in to have it repaired, the less you have to spend on repairing it.
Another reason to maintain your air conditioner in the winter is that if enough condensation builds up in your vents without you clearing it out, you will start to notice a very unpleasant, mildew smell in your car. But if you perform regular checks on your air conditioning system, you won’t let any condensation build up and will avoid this odor.
Full Vehicle Air Conditioning Service from IT Garage
At the end of the day, there is only so much that you can do to prepare yourself for winter. When you have your air conditioner inspected and serviced regularly, you keep it in good working condition all year round. Winter is the best time to have the servicing done. A little bit of AC maintenance during the cold season goes a long way toward keeping you cool next summer, so don’t forget to check it in at your nearest car aircon service shops before seasons change.
IT Garage is an expert on car repair, tyre services, and vehicle air conditioning. Give us a call when you are in doubt of something about anything in your car.