Hot weather will test your car’s AC unit

Hot out, isn’t it? Days like this make us appreciate the wonders of modern conveniences, such as air conditioning. Speaking of air conditioning, that’s also comfort creating equipment for a car, isn’t it?

Just imagine, it’s 1936 and the family is on its way to Aunt Betty’s. The windows are down in the hopes the breeze will offer some relief from the 100-plus heat outside. As heat waves radiate from the pavement, you realize it’s not a helpful breeze but a touch of a blast furnace coming in the windows.

Yes, air conditioning is a wonderful thing. These days, the only way you’d have to worry about reliving the misery of pre-AC travel is if the equipment in your car broke. If such was the case, a day like this would probably have you rushing the car over to a trusted repair shop. Even if your air conditioning is working, there’s always the possibility that it’s not working up to snuff.

“If your AC isn’t quite doing the job the way it used to, on a really hot day, you’ll notice the difference,” said Denny Norton, owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited. “It’s possible your Freon is simply low, in which case you’ll want to have the system checked and the Freon recharged.”

Norton said that maintaining the AC in a car is also a good way to ensure more costly repairs aren’t required.

“If you take care of your AC, it should take care of you,” he said. “But, if it breaks down, repairs can be costly.”

Just like the air conditioner cooling your home, the AC in your car includes expensive parts, such as a compressor, condenser, evaporator and drier. The serpentine belt that drives the alternator in most cars, also turns the wheel on the front of the compressor. If the belt goes, not only do you lose AC, but your car will also stop producing needed electricity.

The AC unit in your car also relies on electrical wiring and components. The latter are even more complex as cars have become increasingly computerized.

To schedule an appointment to have your air conditioning checked, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.

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