Most car owners don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your Car or SUV air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly.

Air conditioning service at Douglas Automotive Repair, Inc. starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired and the Car or SUV system is retested. We will also perform a temperature drop test. If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your Car or SUV owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, the techs at Douglas Automotive Repair, Inc. can also tell you. It’s typically every two years.

This month Douglas Automotive Repair Inc is offering a Free AC Inspection with an Oil Change. (Visit our website for further details.) Give us a call to today schedule your vehicle.

This entry was posted in Air Conditioning, Preventive Maintenance, Summer and tagged Air Conditioning, Preventive Maintenance, Summer