Question: What should I do to maintain my car’s air conditioner for the summer heat?

Answer:

That depends on how the a/c is performing right now. If it is blowing a good volume of cold air, then you probably need nothing more than a routine a/c inspection, which includes having a technician inspect the belt, hoses, compressor, and clutch for any signs of leakage, damage, or deterioration. If there is a notable decrease in air volume or a notable increase in vent temperature, then you will need to have an a/c diagnostic performed. This will allow your technician to measure the system pressures and perform a leak check in addition to the visual inspections. The technician will also inspect your car’s cabin air filter, which can become plugged causing a reduced volume of cold air coming out of the vents.