When your car’s air conditioning system breaks down on a hot, traffic-heavy day, you’ll wish you had taken better care of the unit. Avoid this by combining simple DIY tasks with professional servicing. If you follow these maintenance tips, you’ll prolong your air conditioner’s life span and prevent the need for costly auto repairs.

4 Essential Car Air Conditioner Maintenance Tasks

1. Remove Exterior Debris

Help your air conditioner run efficiently by regularly checking the exterior grills for leaves and other debris. These grills are under your windshield and can accrue assorted debris that will eventually clog your air conditioning system.

2. Clean & Replace the Filter as Necessary

Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions to clean your AC air filter, which is usually located behind the glove compartment, about once a month to prevent airflow blockages. Clogged air filters also cause dirt to collect on the evaporator coil and interfere with heat absorption. Inspect your filter every time you clean so you can replace the part before it becomes too worn and inefficient. Use mild soap and water for best results.

3. Run the Unit Regularly

Turn the system on for about 10 minutes once a week on its coldest setting to keep the compressor operational and the gas pressure at the correct level. It’s also a good idea to run the defroster for about 15 minutes every few weeks to dry the system out and eliminate mold and mildew. Run the unit on its coolest setting once a month for about 20 minutes to maintain the coolant pressure so the hoses do not harden.

4. Schedule Annual Inspections & Repairs

Annual maintenance at your local auto repair shop will ensure everything is operational and leak-free. Auto experts also clean the evaporator coils, lubricate all moving parts, check for bent condenser fins, and let you know if it’s finally time to replace the system.

If you need car AC repair or maintenance, rely on Auto Air Clinic, the Honolulu, HI-based auto repair shop serving the region for over 30 years. Work with their team of ASE®-certified mechanics who specialize in foreign as well as domestic cars, trucks, and SUVs to keep your vehicle safe and functional. Call (808) 845-8499 today to schedule an appointment  or visit the auto repair shop online for more service information.