E-Paper
Keeping your car cool
It's time to get your car AC checked, especially if you own a big one. More maintenance tips
North Indian summers are quite harsh, and since Delhi’s streets are forever clogged, tempers often run high. Perhaps the one thing that stands between irritated motorists and more road rage cases is the air-conditioning in their cars.
The time has come to get your car’s AC in prim-and-proper condition. Air conditioning systems in modern cars are mostly reliable; however, it is better to get the system checked at service centres if you have not been using it for some time.
Do so especially if your car has already done over 50,000 km. Often the problem is limited to the coolant and the compressor, the two most important aspects of any air conditioning unit. Nothing major, but both still require the services of a professional.
In case your car AC has stopped working altogether, here’s what you need to do:
The drive belt to the compressor may be loose or broken. Check if the compressor is getting any drive at all from the engine.
A blown fuse is often the reason behind a non-functional AC. Check fusebox.
Never underestimate the power of a leaking hose or pipe, especially if it is connecting the AC unit.
Mostly, however, motorists find the AC working, but unsatisfactorily. Where the AC has not conked out, but is malfunctioning, remember:
Low refrigerant levels is perhaps the most common maintenance point. However, replenishing the AC’s refrigerant is an expert’s job. Don’t try it at home.
A loose drive belt may be wreaking havoc, or the hose may be leaking. Check as soon as you suspect the AC is underperforming, don’t wait till it goes dead
completely.
A clogged condenser, evaporator or filter may restrict AC performance.
Finally, remember these general tips:
Getting the car serviced on time never hurts. It is best to switch on the AC after about a minute of starting the car. This gives the engine sufficient time to warm up to take on the extra load that the AC will bring.
In small cars, fuel efficiency goes down by about a km to every litre; larger cars may suffer more. It is wise to keep the AC running at low constantly than put it at maximum.
Pull into a garage or repair shop as soon as you detect an AC problem. You will have to get the AC serviced anyway, and delays are likely to play havoc with your car’s mileage.
