As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, having a working air conditioner in your car goes from being a luxury to being a necessity. Getting your car’s air conditioning system inspected and serviced by a professional mechanic before the summer heat hits is one of the best ways to avoid getting stuck driving around in an oven on wheels when the mercury climbs into the 90s and triple digits. Read on to find out what goes into auto AC service here at Brookwood Automotive in OKC, OK.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels are among the most common causes of an underperforming A/C system. Refrigerant is the fluid that circulates through the A/C components and is responsible for actually cooling the air. Over time, refrigerant can leak out through small cracks and faulty seals. A technician will thoroughly inspect the entire A/C system to check for leaks and recharge it with fresh refrigerant if needed.
Examine Hoses and Belts
Leaky, loose, or cracked hoses can prevent refrigerant from properly circulating through the A/C system and reduce its cooling capacity and efficiency. A mechanic will carefully check all the A/C hoses and belts, replace any worn out or damaged ones, and tighten loose connections. Properly functioning belts and hoses ensure that your A/C blows cold air all summer long.
Flush Out Contaminants
Particles of dirt, debris, and accumulated moisture inside an A/C system can obstruct refrigerant flow and cause components to wear out faster. A professional flush using specialized flushing solvents removes these contaminants so your A/C flows easily and runs like new again.
Replace Air Filter
A clean cabin air filter allows the A/C system to both circulate and cool air effectively. A clogged filter prevents air from flowing freely through the ducts and vents. Your technician can assess if your filter needs to be changed and install a new one if necessary.
Recharge A/C Coolant
Over time, the special coolant that runs through the A/C system components gets contaminated and breaks down. A mechanic will drain out all of the old depleted coolant and recharge the A/C system with fresh coolant, efficiently transporting heat away from refrigerant lines and enabling effective cooling.
Evaluate Overall A/C Operation
After servicing all the critical A/C components, a technician will fire up your newly refreshed system and assess its performance. They will check that cold air comes out of the vents at the proper temperature and make any final tweaks or adjustments so your air conditioning is optimally prepared for the harsh summer heat.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
In addition to a thorough pre-summer inspection and tune-up, having routine AC servicing done at manufacturer-recommended intervals keeps your cooling system in tip-top shape for miles down the road. Your technician can suggest a customized maintenance schedule tailored to your vehicle and driving habits. Investing a little in preventative care now saves you big hassles and expenses later on.
Stay Cool this Summer with a Professional Auto AC Service
Getting a seasonal A/C service from a trusted, certified mechanic like those at Brookwood Automotive in OKC ensures your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning properly before oven-like temperatures hit. Call Brookwood Automotive today at (405) 632-5633 or stop by the shop to schedule comprehensive auto AC service, so you can beat the summer heat in cool comfort.
