5 Tips for Auto AC Use in Summer

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No one wants to endure a Southern California summer without air conditioning, whether that’s in your home or in your car. You always want to remain as cool and comfortable as possible, so an AC system that’s running optimally is essential. If you want to avoid needing auto AC repair, follow these five tips for efficient car air conditioning use during the summer.

#1. Park in the shade

The quickest and simplest way to keep your car cool is to park in the shade whenever possible. Keeping your car cool will require less use of your AC then if you get into a blisteringly hot car, thereby extending its life. Wherever you are, try to find a covered place to park, whether that’s inside a parking structure or under the shade of a tree. If you need to park in direct sunlight, use window shades in order to keep the heat out as much as possible. This will make you feel like you need less air conditioning when you re-enter your car and will put less stress on your car’s AC system.

#2. Ventilate your car before using AC

If your car is uncomfortably hot when you get inside, let all of the hot air out of your vehicle before you begin using the AC. Open your back windows and turn on the fans in the front of your car in order to force all of the hot air out of your vehicle. Once the hot air has escaped, it will make it much easier for your car’s AC to cool the car down quickly. Avoiding unnecessary and inefficient use of your AC system will help extend its lifespan over time.

#3. Start the AC low before blasting it

Avoid the temptation to begin blasting your car air conditioning as soon as you get inside. Starting your AC on the lowest speed and temperature setting and slowly adjusting the fan will make the air conditioning more efficient and will dry out the air less than if you begin using the AC at full power right away.

#4. Always use the recirculation mode

In order to increase your AC’s efficiency and reduce the strain on both your AC and fuel efficiency, always have your air conditioning’s recirculation mode turned on. This will recirculate cold air that is already inside the car, rather than continuously pulling air from outside and cooling it down. Allowing your system to work less hard to keep you cool will extend its life and reduce the need for auto AC repair down the road.

#5. Perform regular maintenance checks

No matter how efficiently you use your car’s AC, at some point, the cabin air filter and refrigerant will need to be replaced. This should be performed by a certified auto AC repair professional such as Citywide Auto Care. Routine maintenance for your vehicle is extremely important, and this extends to its air conditioning system as well. When it’s time to bring your car in for its periodic maintenance, make sure that your AC is being taken care of too.

If your auto air conditioning system is overdue for preventative maintenance, or if you’re in need of auto AC repair, call Citywide Auto Care in Orange. Our experienced and certified technicians will take of you and your vehicle, providing top-tier work alongside exceptional customer service. If you’d like to make an appointment for auto AC repair or maintenance, give us a call today at (714) 633-4211.

How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Road Trips

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Summer is known as a time for adventures and family fun. One of the most popular forms of vacation is a summer road trip, due to its low price compared to air travel. However, road trips can be hard on your car due to the performance demand, so you should always make sure your car is in top shape before heading out. Before you leave Orange for your summer road trip adventure, prepare your car for the journey by following these steps.

#1. Have your oil changed

The basic maintenance step that even the newest car owners know is that you should have your oil changed regularly in order to keep it working perfectly. Oil is critical for the engine, as it lubricates all of the moving components. Oil should be changed at least every 5,000 miles, but if you’re heading out for a long-distance road trip, it’s advised that you check your oil condition and fill level regardless of when you last had it changed. If your oil is black, gritty, or below the minimum fill level, bring it in to be changed right away before your trip.

#2. Know your fluid levels

Fluids are essential for the proper functioning of any car, so make sure that they all get checked before you leave for a road trip. Your radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid are all extremely important to maintain, and the malfunctioning of any of these parts due to low fluid levels could leave you stranded hundreds or thousands of miles away from home. While most of these fluids only need to be flushed every 40,000 miles or so, it’s always a good idea to have everything assessed by a professional before you head out for a long trip.

#3. Check your tires

The air pressure in your tires affects your car’s fuel efficiency and your tires’ lifespan. Underinflated tires will waste gas and decrease fuel efficiency, while overinflated tires make ride quality worse and wear unevenly. Check your tire pressure every 1,000 miles to make sure that you are maintaining the ideal air pressure, and fill your tires when needed. Your tires may even need replacement altogether if you’ve had them for more than 50,000 miles. Most tires last anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 miles, so if your tires are nearing their expiration date, take your vehicle into an auto repair shop to have them examined and possibly replaced. Everyone’s road trip nightmare is ending up with a flat tire, so don’t let that happen to you by taking precautions ahead of time.

#4. Have your air conditioning inspected

No matter how well the mechanics of your car are functioning, any summer road trip will be a miserable one if your air conditioning isn’t working properly. If your auto AC is only blowing warm air, or if it isn’t blowing air at all, have an auto repair mechanic check your auto AC system’s coolant levels or inspect the belt for damage. The refrigerant used for AC coolant is highly toxic, so make sure it’s only handled by an authorized auto repair professional such as Citywide Auto Care. Keeping cool during your road trip will ensure that it’s a much more enjoyable time for everyone in the car.

Before you head off for your summer road trip, make sure your car is in adequate shape to handle those weeks of adventure. Here at Citywide Auto Care in Orange, we perform quick, reliable, and cost-effective maintenance services and auto repairs that will get you and your family out on the road in no time. To make an appointment today, give us a call at (714) 633-4211.