How to use and maintain car air conditioner effectively?

Although car manufacturers are constantly improving their in-car temperature control systems, there are still some tips drivers can follow to keep their air conditioning (A/C) running efficiently.

This article will cover common car air conditioning problems, along with tips and information on maintaining this unit.

1. Monitor engine temperature on slopes

If you are driving uphill with a full load of people and gear, keep an eye on the engine temperature. Overloading the engine can cause the air conditioning coolant to overheat. If this happens, experts recommend turning the temperature all the way up for a few minutes to ease the strain on the car's cooling system.

2. Keep the air vent under the windshield dry and clean

A common cause of mold in an air conditioning system is water, dirt, snow, or moisture that gets into the bottom of the windshield. This is the optimal location for air conditioning to be drawn in, but it is also the worst place for moisture and debris to collect and enter the air conditioning, creating mold. Drivers should regularly clean it by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any water, dirt, or leaves that have accumulated there.

3. When you detect a strange smell, take action immediately.

Strange smells and their origins can be red flags. Many of these odors can be caused by previous owners who smoked or let pet odors build up. In these cases, experts say placing orange peels on the floor of the car for a few days can help. Other options include spraying an odor eliminator like Ozium into the vents or replacing the air conditioning filter.

But there are some smells to watch out for that could be the start of a more serious problem:

- Musty smell: The musty smell can be caused by mold that has penetrated the evaporator coil inside the cooling system. One way to solve this problem is to turn on the heater at a high temperature for a while to dry out the evaporator coil/heating core.

- Sweet smell: could mean an antifreeze leak. A professional mechanic can run a leak test to confirm the problem and provide service options.

- Smell of gas: When you smell gas coming from your A/C unit, it could indicate a gas leak, which is dangerous. However, it could also mean that your gas cap is unsafe or faulty. Either way, address the problem quickly.

4. Always read the owner's manual to understand the car's cooling system.

Be sure to read the section on car air conditioning to learn some useful information. For example, should you use green or red antifreeze in your car? Who should you contact if there is a recall notice for your year/make/model? These can be very helpful when you encounter minor problems. Get all the facts before you go to a repair professional.

5. Add an air conditioning check to your regular car maintenance schedule

Many experts recommend that car owners have their air conditioning checked annually. The system is exposed to heat from the engine, shock from road debris, and curves, so things can go wrong. The benefits of regular A/C maintenance include improved gas mileage and increased comfort for everyone in the car.

6. Replace air conditioner filter when necessary

Most cars today have an air conditioning filter, usually located behind the glove compartment, that the driver can replace themselves. If the odometer shows 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 kilometers), it may be time to change the filter. The benefits of changing the filter include better airflow, less unpleasant odors, and less dust settling on the car's interior surfaces.

7. Follow the sequence: Open the window, drive the car then turn on the air conditioner

Experts advise users to open the car windows a little before running the air conditioner. It is recommended to start driving before turning on the air conditioner to increase the life of this device. Basically, the principle is to avoid idling for a long time with the air conditioner running. This will help reduce pressure and increase the durability of the A/C.

8. Use fresh air intake mode depending on the time

Many people may be confused when choosing between these two modes. One is to recirculate the air, and the other is to bring outside air into the car. Experience tells us that the air will not be fresh when driving behind a diesel truck or in a smoggy city area. But remember that the air inside can also become poor when the driver only uses the recirculation button. Therefore, it is necessary to use the fresh air mode effectively to keep the air inside the car clean.

9. Run the air conditioner in defrost mode

According to experts, defrosting your car does more than just remove frost from your windows. It also prevents mold and clears moisture from inside the air conditioning unit. Doing this for about 5 to 10 minutes once a week can help keep mold and other unpleasant odors away from your car.

10. Keep the air conditioner at its coldest setting when in use and adjust the fan accordingly.

Most experts agree that setting the lowest temperature on your air conditioning system is more efficient for your cooling system and fuel economy. That’s because most cooling systems only cool the cabin to 30 degrees and then stop. If the temperature reaches that point, and the driver sets the temperature higher, they will also activate the heater. This causes both the cooling and heating functions to work, putting stress on the system and using more fuel. Instead, set the A/C fan to low and turn the vents away if it’s too cold.