| By :
Nick Messe
With hot weather just around the corner, it's a good time to have your car's air conditioning checked by a reputable professional. This will prevent problems at the height of the summer when there will be a much longer wait for such a repair. If your air conditioning system isn't in good shape, chances are it will cost a lot more than a sweaty ride. Many people ignore the signs of an AC system that needs service in hope of delaying an auto repair bill. In reality, this simply increases out of pocket costs and risks causing even more costly repairs. As cars get more complicated, resources available for struggling components are less available. Manufacturers now plan for vehicles to be well maintained. This is in part due to longer warranties and also because of added electronics needed to meet tougher emissions standards. So the days of saving money by putting off repairs are pretty much gone. That is at least for cars manufactured in this millennium. Any issue that causes the air conditioning system to work harder, such as driving with the windows down, can be measured easily in additional gas station stops. One should bear in mind that that the extra power draw from an overworked or failing AC compressor accelerates wear on other components, such as the alternator. In addition, the fuel costs can very quickly add up to an amount that is more than the AC repair. Most car owners are unaware that ignoring that AC problem throughout the winter, costs just as much as in the summer because the AC compressor kicks on whenever the defroster is on. This is to prevent interior condensation and clear windows more quickly. Obviously, if the AC is on and nothing blows out, your car needs immediate service, but there are other signs of an AC problem that shouldn't be ignored. If the air conditioning blows warm or doesn't get as cold as it should, the system could be leaking coolant, have a system vent issue or a vent blockage. In cars equipped with climate control, this means the AC runs continuously and drags down gas mileage. If the AC randomly blows colder than expected, the compressor may be failing or there could be serious electrical issues. And finally, if there are loud noises when the compressor kicks in or cycles, an inspection at an auto repair shop is needed to rule out any other problems other than a noisy compressor. Although diagnosing and repairing your own car may seem a good and money saving idea, it's generally better to have a certified specialist perform AC repairs. The prevalence of proprietary electronics in the newer systems can make diagnosis difficult for the home mechanic. The coolant and specialized tools needed to perform a repair equal to an air conditioning shop are costly and may be difficult work with or obtain. Not to mention, an improper repair may create new issues that mask the original problem so the car eventually ends up in the repair shop but with a much larger bill. So, consider taking your car in for an air conditioning tune up, as catching issues early can save a lot of inconvenience, time and money.
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