The failure of your car air conditioner can cause a lot of inconvenience. Moreover, the cost of repairing a broken-down unit can be high. Therefore, it is advisable to be diligent in the upkeep of your AC to promote consistent performance and minimise the risk of premature failure. In general, you can prevent most functional problems by planning for regular car air conditioning service by a professional technician. However, it is also important to plan for long-term personal care. Here are some simple tips for keeping your car AC working at optimal levels.

Replace the Filter

Blockage of the filter is one of the common causes of air conditioner malfunction and subsequent failure. In general, the accumulation of particles and other materials in the filter causes of obstruction of air. Consequently, the unit experiences more strain during operation. You can prevent this problem by cleaning or replacing the filter on a regular basis. Also, consider improving your interior car cleaning practices. The accumulation of dirt in your car could contribute to the blockage of the filter.

Improve Usage Habits

Your AC usage habits could cause the system to experience accelerated degradation. Therefore, you should consider using the unit as it was intended to minimise the risk of premature deterioration. For instance, you should turn your temperature settings low to allow for more efficient function. If your setting is high, the system will use more energy to cool the air. Also, it is advisable to avoid pre-cooling your vehicle. Instead, spare the fuel and time because the AC is highly efficient when driving.

Replace the Coolant

If your air conditioner does not cool your vehicle as it should, you should check on the refrigerant levels. The refrigerant is the fluid which allows the system to cool air. If the quantity is low, the AC will only release warm air. Moreover, this state could accelerate the deterioration of internal car components. Therefore, you should plan on recharging the coolant as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Monitor for Malfunction

Finally, you should keep an eye on the function and performance of your car's AC. This will help you identify signs of degradation early, ensuring timely repairs. Remember, if repairs are delayed, the cost of the work will be higher, and it might be harder to restore your car to its original state. Common signs of AC malfunction include bad odour, hot air, poor fuel efficiency and general underperformance.