Five tips to keep drivers from getting hot under the collar

Anyone driving in a hot or muggy climate knows their vehicle’s air conditioning system makes the journey more enjoyable–and helps keep tempers cool, too.

How do you keep cool air from turning into stale, warm gusts?

“Though air conditioning systems have improved dramatically over the years, refrigerant can still leak from hoses, seals or key system components,” said Dave Cappert of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nationwide non-profit that certifies automotive technicians.

“Never assume warm air from an air conditioning system automatically means the system’s low on refrigerant.”

A blown fuse or faults with the compressor could also be the culprit, he said. Cappert suggested checking for fluid pressure, duct temperature, cooling fan operation and leaks.

Drivers may be tempted to repair or replenish air conditioning systems themselves, Cappert said. Yet, climate control systems are complex designs, especially in modern vehicles.

“You may end up missing the source of the problem and create more expensive repairs down the line,” he said. “If refrigerant has leaked, there’s a good possibility air and moisture have entered the system.”

Moisture can corrode pipes and cause extensive damage from the inside out.

Cappert had the following suggestions if you have problems with your vehicle’s air conditioning system:

• Look for clogs in vents that may impede air flow.
• Check all fan settings. Do you notice any cool air when the adjusting temperature?
• Look for damaged hoses or a blown fuse. This is a simple and inexpensive fix.
• Ask your service advisor to inspect the vehicle’s air conditioning compressor. Components of the climate control system may need to be replaced.
• Avoid the coolant in a can. Simply replenishing the refrigerant ignores a potentially damaging leak or corrosion in the system.