Check car A/C before the really hot weather arrives

Apr 7, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 6:28 am

PHOENIX – With temperatures expected to hit the 90s this week in the Valley, many people might be turning on their car air-conditioning for the first time this year.

KTAR’s Matt Allen from Bumper to Bumper Radio said it’s a good idea to get air-conditioning systems checked before the middle of the summer months.

“This time of the year it’s going to be good right now because the system isn’t getting work hard, so when it’s 70 or 80 or 90 degrees it’s going to work really well even if it has a minor problem or is low on charge,” he said. “(You) really won’t know until we get into the heat of the summer if you have any issues.”

Allen said some common issues could be as simple as recharging the system or checking air filters.

“If it’s really ice cold in the mornings and then you come out in the 80-degree air, or the 90-degree air where the car has been sitting in the sun… and it takes a while to cool down then you probably have an issue,” he said. “You need to get it in to have it checked and check the charge level, you want to check your cabin air filter and make sure that it’s clean so your getting good air flow.”

For charge issues he said it’s best to take a car in to be serviced rather than buying a consumer charging kit.

“The charge kit you buy at your favorite auto parts store, it’s 12 or 18 ounces of refrigerant and these systems are so critical,” he said. “You can over charge or under charge them by 2 ounces of refrigerant and it can make the system not perform well.”

Allen said one easy fix to check for before taking a car into the shop is to simply look at debris stuck in the car grille. Things such as leaves, sand, plastic bags or other foreign objects can restrict airflow into a car and reduce its air-conditioning performance, according to Allen.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Pexels Photo)...
KTAR.com

1 dead after early-morning fire in Mesa business complex

One person was found dead after a small flash fire at a Mesa business early Thursday, first responders said.
7 hours ago
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)...
Associated Press

Arizona high court rejects all but 1 of Kari Lake’s election claims

The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to hear most of Republican Kari Lake’s appeal in a challenge of her defeat in the governor’s race but revived a claim that was dismissed by a trial court.
7 hours ago
(Facebook Photo/Cartwright Elementary School)...
Griselda Zetino

Valley school district switches to 4-day workweek to recruit, retain staff

A Phoenix-area school district is switching to a four-day workweek to attract new employees and entice current ones to stay on the job.
7 hours ago
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)...
KTAR.com

Arizona marijuana products voluntarily recalled due to fungus concerns

Arizona’s marijuana industry is voluntarily recalling products due to Aspergillus, a fungus that can cause allergic reactions or infection.
7 hours ago
(Johnny's Chicken & Waffles Photos)...
KTAR.com

Ne-Yo to open Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles at Westgate in Glendale

Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo announced on Tuesday that Johnny's Chicken & Waffles will open in the West Valley at the end of the month.
7 hours ago
Fossil Creek. (Facebook Photo/Coconino National Forest)...
KTAR.com

Fossil Creek, San Pedro River segment water quality improves, leads to ADEQ delisting

Fossil Creek and the lower San Pedro River near Winkelman are now safe for recreation according to the ADEQ.
7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...
Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Prep the plumbing in your home just in time for the holidays

With the holidays approaching, it's important to know when your home is in need of heating and plumbing updates before more guests start to come around.
Check car A/C before the really hot weather arrives