How to maintain your car air conditioning system over winter

Hard to think about now, when it's cold and frosty, but come the first hot day of the year in 2017 and you need to put the air conditioning on, you might find it doesn't work. Why?

The reason is simple. In most cases the car's A/C has not been used over the winter months, so it's seized up. One of the major components of a car's air conditioning system is the compressor, or pump, which takes electricity to power itself and push the refrigerant around the system, using oil as lubricant. However through lack of use this can seize up, the clutch plate and pulley on the outside can also seize from lack of movement and lubrication. So what can be done?

Firstly, make sure that once a week you run the A/C. Just for 10 minutes. Air conditioning is not just for hot weather it's also great for removing moisture in the air and de-misting windows and you don't have to have it set to cold. Set it to hot if needed, let it run. This lets the system lubricate, all the working parts get to move and ensures a nice working car air system when you need to use it regularly next summer.

It may be worthwhile, like you do with your home central heating, to have the car air conditioning system serviced at this time of year, in preparation for the summer. Often A/C service prices are much cheaper this time of year as the technicians are less busy and you won't have to wait days for an appointment. I'd recommend a call to our friends at Cool Car, where their fully trained and qualified technicians can assist and visit you at your home or place of work.

Remember, to maintain your car air conditioning, A/C on, at least once a week for 10 minutes at a time.