As with any other aspect of a car, it is vitally important that you regularly check your air conditioning system. Because the air conditioning unit is not checked in regular MOT tests, unfortunately, people make the mistake of overlooking any additional checks until it is too late and something goes wrong. Here are some reasons why you should check your air conditioner regularly.

1. Air Conditioning System Smell – This is a very common problem found in older air conditioning systems, whether it be an Audi or a Rover. As your car ages, there is a greater chance of bacteria and fungus growing in the system just behind the dash. This makes it nearly impossible for you to clean yourself and can produce an unpleasant odor when the air conditioning is on. These microorganisms not only smell horrible, but if inhaled continuously, they could lead to more problems such as flu-like systems and narrowed airways. This is more commonly known as “sick car syndrome.”

2. A/C Doesn’t Cool Enough: There’s no point in having the A/C on if it doesn’t make a substantial difference to the car’s temperature. As the weather gets warmer, cars heat up significantly, especially when left in the sun. Some people may opt for the alternative of driving with the windows open as this ‘saves’ gasoline. This can save the very small amount of gasoline used by the air conditioning unit; however, all the extra drag caused by having the windows open will eventually equal the same gasoline used. If your air conditioning system does not produce enough cold air, you will need to recharge it. This will return the system to its original operation by replacing the refrigerant. Your vehicle can lose up to 15% of its coolant each year, so it’s important to keep topping it up.

3. Seized seals – This is a common problem in the UK due to the fact that many people don’t use their air conditioning systems during the winter. When an automaker takes your car in for repair, they check to see if the air conditioning is working, they don’t test system components. The stamps can dry out from not being used and therefore end up cracking. This can lead to leaks and can be expensive to repair. Simply running your air conditioning systems regularly during the winter will keep the pipes and seals lubricated and prevent this from happening. You will need a mechanic to regularly check the pipes and seals before the summer starts again to make sure no damage has occurred.

4. Air Conditioning Noises – If you ever hear unusual noises from the air conditioning system, you should also contact a mechanic immediately. This usually happens when there is something wrong with the compressor and this can be the most expensive part to repair. If left, it could cause more serious damage and may result in a complete replacement and cleaning of the entire system, which will cost much more money.

When it comes to diagnosing an air conditioning unit, it is vitally important that you hire a qualified technician to look at it. With newer systems, it’s ideal to have it checked by a manufacturer technician, such as a Volkswagen mechanic to check your VW, or someone used to handling newer systems.