3 minute read
Maximizing Your Vehicle’s Air-Conditioning System
by Expert Contributor Lou Matteo, Owner of Edgemont Automotive
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Having the luxury of air conditioning in the summer heat is priceless. But you know how it is to work in this heat: It’s very easy to work up a sweat, and then you start to slow your pace, and eventually if you don’t get a cold drink, you will stop working.
The same is true for your vehicle: Without proper vehicle cooling, air induction and air distribution system integrity, a vehicle’s air conditioning will not work. To stay cool while traveling in your vehicle, keeping its climate control systems in good health is no sweat with just a few simple steps.
Have your fluid levels and conditions checked, especially the coolant. Your vehicle’s A/C system will not work if the coolant system can’t or isn’t doing its part to keep the engine cool!
Have your engine and cabin air filters checked and/or replaced. A/C works by blowing air over the cold evaporator core. Dust that has accumulated in those filters will be blown into your vehicle, making for much less enjoyable and perhaps health-threatening travel.
Check to ensure that the air is coming out of all vents inside the vehicle: panel vents, defrosters, floor, etc. Any vents that are partially or fully blocked can seriously lower the efficiency of your vehicle’s A/C system.
Check your temperature control. You can expect a 25-30 degree cool down from an efficient A/C system. Don’t waste your money having the A/C system repaired or replaced if temperature control is working as expected.
As always, check tire pressures! (This one step can help ensure safe motoring any time of year.) When tire pressures are low, they generate heat, which transfers to the undercarriage and causes your vehicle’s A/C system to have to work harder.
You can check some of the above items yourself, but if you’re not comfortable doing so or there are no problems found in any of those items but the vent air is blowing cool or warm instead of cold, contact your automotive professional. Your vehicle may be low in refrigerant and/or air conditioning repair may be needed. Repairs should always be made only by qualified personnel.
Publisher’s Note: Edgemont Automotive Owner Lou Matteo and I talked recently about how 2020 has been a tough year thus far. Lou said he feels grateful and lucky that his automotive repairs business, deemed essential, was able to stay open and help our community keep moving during recent events. Lou wanted me to thank everyone for supporting his business and other small businesses throughout our community. His thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the pandemic, and he shares my hope that during our area’s “green phase,” all small businesses come back strong, especially in the hard-hit personal care and food service industries. Lou wishes all Readers a safe, healthy and happy summer, and positive memories about the second half of 2020.
Expert Contributor Lou Matteo, Owner of Edgemont Automotive
Trusted Experts in Auto Repair
610-353-9868
www.EdgemontAutomotive.com
5040 West Chester Pike (Edgemont Camino Commons Shopping Center, adjacent to the Edgemont Post Office)
Complete Vehicle Repair
Import • Domestic • Trailers
FREE Pickup, Delivery and Drop off
• PA Safety Inspection & Emission Testing • Tires • Brakes • Engine Diagnostics • Scheduled Maintenance • Heating & A/C • Electrical systems • Suspension • Body Control Systems
