{"id":584,"date":"2019-05-31T20:07:13","date_gmt":"2019-06-01T03:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=584"},"modified":"2024-05-14T19:13:24","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T02:13:24","slug":"air-condition-summer-maintenance-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/air-condition-summer-maintenance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Car A\/C Maintenance Tips: 8 Rules to Stay Cool This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_365121-03{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_365121-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_365121-03 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-4f2ccd  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-b0fd8a\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_e6dd87-b1\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>To keep your air conditioning (A\/C) system healthy and ready to fight the summer heat, you&rsquo;ll have to clean or change your cabin air filter, maintain your engine cooling system, and check your accessory drive belt.<\/li><li>Other car A\/C maintenance tips include turning off your A\/C system before turning off your car, parking in the shade, and avoiding operating your A\/C on full blast for long periods.<\/li><li>Using your A\/C every now and then and performing regular maintenance are some ways to make sure your A\/C system stays healthy.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>With summer just around the corner, it&rsquo;s time to get ready for clear skies, glorious sunshine, backyard water hose fun&hellip; and heatwaves. You&rsquo;re probably well-versed on Newton&rsquo;s most famous law of thermodynamics: When your car is parked under the sun, it basically becomes an oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, your vehicle is most likely equipped with an air conditioning system that can cool your car&rsquo;s interior in a few minutes. But that might not be the case if your A\/C system has been improperly maintained and left to fail over time. A car without A\/C during the summer can quickly become unbearable, or even a health risk, so don&rsquo;t let either happen to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Car A\/C Maintenance Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&rsquo;ll show you how to keep your car&rsquo;s A\/C system healthy and ready to fight the summer heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/a-short-course-on-cooling-systems\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f\"><style> .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f:active, .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ubaa20013acd91173d3ce4e9d21b9e61f:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">A Short Course on Cooling Systems<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean or Change Your Cabin Air Filter (if equipped)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cabin-air-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cabin air filters\">Cabin air filters<\/a> (not all vehicles have them) trap dirt and keep debris from entering the cabin through the air conditioning system. Excessively dirty or clogged filters result in poor air flow to the cabin. If your filter isn&rsquo;t reusable, replacement cabin air filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/changing-a-cabin-air-filter-richard-mccuistian.jpg\" alt=\"changing a cabin air filter richard mccuistian\" class=\"wp-image-101027\" width=\"1024\" height=\"552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/changing-a-cabin-air-filter-richard-mccuistian.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/changing-a-cabin-air-filter-richard-mccuistian-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/changing-a-cabin-air-filter-richard-mccuistian-768x414.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/changing-a-cabin-air-filter-richard-mccuistian-150x81.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>Changing a cabin air filter | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most can be accessed through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/glove-box\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"glove box\">glove box<\/a>, but cabin air filters in older cars may require that you dismantle the dashboard. Check your owner&rsquo;s manual for more information on your specific cabin air filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintain Your Engine Cooling System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Engine temperature can affect the efficiency of your vehicle&rsquo;s A\/C system. Make sure to flush your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/radiator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"radiator\">radiator<\/a> periodically. Coolant carries heat from the engine block and is cooled in the radiator. An efficient radiator is key to maintaining optimum engine operating temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_2dea83-57{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_2dea83-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_2dea83-57 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:32px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}#kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone pro-tip-wrap\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_4d00d2-f1\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-gutter-none kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-right-golden  kt-custom-first-width-10  kt-custom-second-width-90\"><style>.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_2b8a00-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_2b8a00-53 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_fbc591-d6.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_fbc591-d6 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_fbc591-d6.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_fbc591-d6 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_fbc591-d6 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image_fbc591-d6 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_fbc591-d6 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_fbc591-d6 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_fbc591-d6\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-2 kadence-column_14b5a5-a9 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nAlways use the OEM-recommended coolant, either pre-mixed or using distilled water and concentrated coolant to create the proper mix (it&rsquo;s almost always 50\/50). Replace the coolant according to manufacturer scheduling to prevent rust, cavitation, etc. in the cooling system. Once rust gets a foothold it&rsquo;s almost impossible to get it all out.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-ac-blowing-hot-air\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2\"><style> .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2:active, .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u3192cdf701d02da6a01a2e51321c33a2:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">7 Reasons Why Your Car AC Unit Isn't Keeping You Cool this Summer<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check Your Fan Belt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Fan belt,&rdquo; &ldquo;V-belt,&rdquo; and &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/serpentine-belt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"serpentine belt\">serpentine belt<\/a>&rdquo; are terms commonly used to refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/accessory-drive-belt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"accessory drive belt\">accessory drive belt<\/a>, but if your vehicle is using V belts it&rsquo;s probably 20-30 years old or more. Check your fan belt to make sure it&rsquo;s in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The belt is driven by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/crankshaft-pulley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"crankshaft pulley\">crankshaft pulley<\/a> and snakes around all the belt-driven accessories, to include the A\/C compressor pulley. There are idler and tensioner pulleys that provide belt tension and facilitate routing between pulleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Park in the Shade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Parking in the shade can help in keeping your cabin cool. Your A\/C system will also cool air at a lower temperature, giving it the opportunity to cool the cabin faster. And don&rsquo;t spend too much time idling in a hot parking lot with the A\/C running if you can help it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Low-blow Max A\/C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You get the coolest air on low-blow <em>max A\/C<\/em> because you&rsquo;re re-cooling the same recirculated air and that means the compressor doesn&rsquo;t have to run as much. For this reason, you&rsquo;ll get better fuel economy on a long trip using <em>max A\/C (recirc)<\/em> than you will using <em>norm<\/em>, which runs the compressor more. That seems counter-intuitive, but that&rsquo;s the way it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&rsquo;s a more efficient way to cool down a hot cabin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Turn on the A\/C, but roll all the windows down as you start the vehicle moving to blow the heat out of the cabin. Some vans have electric &ldquo;pop out&rdquo; rear vent windows to help with this.<\/li><li>Once cool air starts to come out of the vents, roll your front windows up.<\/li><li>Keep adjusting the fan until your desired temperature is reached. Again, low fan speed\/<em>max-recirc<\/em> is the best setting once the cabin is cool.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/fluid-leaks-101\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25\"><style> .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25:active, .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u1c89f4b9ec1158e243345443890ede25:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">Fluid Leaks 101: Find Out What&rsquo;s Leaking From Your Car<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your A\/C refrigerant carries refrigerant oil like the oil in chainsaw gas, so that the refrigerant\/oil mix will keep the compressor lubricated and keeps seals moist. Whenever you use the <em>defrost<\/em> function on your system, the A\/C compressor runs by default. But even if you don&rsquo;t need defrost during the cooler part of the year where you live, make sure you turn the air conditioning on every now and then (select a warmer blend temperature if it&rsquo;s cold), and leave it running for 10 minutes while you drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should You Have Your A\/C System Checked Regularly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting the A\/C checked periodically isn&rsquo;t&nbsp; a bad idea, but usually there aren&rsquo;t any scheduled maintenance procedures other than replacing the cabin air filter (if equipped). Usually, if the A\/C has a problem you&rsquo;ll be the first one to notice it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay cool and safe!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>With summer just around the corner, it&rsquo;s time to get ready for clear skies, glorious sunshine, backyard water hose fun&hellip;&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/air-condition-summer-maintenance-tips\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":606,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3754,52,4044,4038,4022],"tags":[1491,1277,69,1164],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-584","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-air-conditioning-and-heating","8":"category-diy","9":"category-feel-finer","10":"category-performance-articles","11":"category-seasonal-maintenance","12":"tag-accessory-drive-belt","13":"tag-cabin-air-filter-2","14":"tag-radiator","15":"tag-serpentine-belt-2","16":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Car A\/C Maintenance Tips: 8 Rules to Stay Cool This Summer - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Driving with a broken air conditioning system can be uncomfortable, especially during summer. 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Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=584"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}