How Often Should You Service Auto AC?

Air-conditioning in cars can make driving in the summer very comfortable, especially for those in warmer climates. Air conditioning units help to limit the moisture in the air and help to cool the vehicle's interior. Like most automotive systems, the air-conditioning should be serviced regularly.

Regular Maintenance

  • The auto AC should not need to be worked on more than once every four years for a new car. For older cars, the auto AC may need maintenance once a year. It is better to have maintenance or checks done more frequently on the AC system rather than to wait for there to be a problem. There are a lot of components in the automotive air conditioning system that should be checked regularly, such as the compressor bearings, cooling coils and the various valves.

Leaky Auto AC

  • A leak in the auto AC system is a serious problem. Some of the chemicals used in the vehicle can be toxic, so all leaks should be repaired immediately by a trained professional. It is not a good idea to try to use a low-cost leak-repair product in the air-conditioning system as it may interact with the chemicals or blow back through the air-conditioning system.

Musty Smells

  • Mold or mildew can build up in a vehicle's AC system. The mold and mildew is most often found in the air ducts of the car or on the cooling coils. The mold or mildew can cause the vehicle to smell bad and may cause health problems as they release spores into the cabin. If the vehicle is giving off a bad smell when the air conditioning is turned on, seek a repair specialist as soon as possible.

Slow or Not Cooling the Car

  • If the AC in the car is slow to cool the car, there may be a serious problem with the air conditioning system in the car. This can be a result of a large number of conditions, all of which a professional can diagnose and repair. The most common reason that this may occur is that the AC condenser is not functioning properly or efficiently.