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Guide to Keeping your Auto AC working

by Lisa

When the weather is hot, most drivers roll up their windows and turn their vehicle’s air conditioner on. The cool air flows through the vents and the temperature inside the car’s interior drops. While the driver and his passengers may feel comfortable, his car may be on the verge of overheating.

The natural enemy of a car engine is extreme heat or temperatures. Too much of it will cause it to overheat which can lead to expensive damage. Fortunately, your car has a cooling system; its job is to keep the temperature of your engine within an acceptable range. The problem is that car parts within the system can wll eventually fail.

We will examine some of the issues and parts that are under constant stress in your auto's AC Cooling assembly. I’ll explain what you should check on a regular basis, and how to prevent your vehicle from overheating and leaving you stranded.

Parts Under Stress

A number of belts and hoses comprise the cooling assembly. The belts deliver power to your alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. If one of those belts breaks, fails, or somehow becomes loose, it will not be able to trigger the part to which it sends power. That can potentially cause your vehicle to overheat.

The hoses funnel coolant to your radiator. That coolant is critical to managing the heat which surrounds your engine. Without it, the temperature would increase to the point of overheating. If the hoses are cracked from wear and tear, the neccessay coolant would leak out prior to reaching the radiator. Because of this, the ability to absorb the temperature is gone.

When you drive during the summer, the temperature under the hood can approach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That intense heat can cause the belts and hoses of your cooling system to break or rupture. If you’re driving under stressful circumstances - for example, pulling a heavy load up a steep hill - your engine can easily overheat.

At-Home Or In-Garage Inspection

Visit your dealership’s service center or your local repair garage to have a mechanic look at your car’s belts and hoses. If there are signs of wear and tear, they need to be replaced. If you are familiar with your cars engine, you can inspect the belts and hoses personally. However, if there’s a chance that you might overlook a crack, small fissure, or any signs of extreme wear, ask a mechanic to take a look for you. It may cost a few dollars, but it will protect your car engine.

How To Prevent Overheating

Keep your eyes on your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. It can spike without warning, especially on hot days. If you see it rising, turn your A/C off, roll down your windows, and activate the heater. It may sound counterintuitive, but having the heater on will help lower the temperature around the engine. Also, if you’re driving in stressful conditions (up steep hills, etc.), turn your A/C off.

Even with all the auto improvements in design and technology to withstand heat, they can still cause a problem. Fortunately, with a little car maintenance, you can help your car stay cool and preserve the life of your engine.

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