With winter in full swing, you wouldn't think you'd need to use your car's air conditioner. But as it turns out, leaving your AC system dormant throughout the winter could lead to some unpleasant and rather costly surprises on the first warm day of spring.
Months of Disuse Can Cause Problems
Chances are your AC worked just fine this past summer, so why worry about it this winter? If your entire car sits in your garage throughout the winter with little to no preparation, then it's possible for the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle -- which usually includes the tires and rubber trim -- can deteriorate over time.
This also applies to the various hoses and seals that are a part of your car's AC system. These parts rely on the refrigerant's own lubricant to keep these rubber components moisturized. Otherwise, the seals and hoses can dry out and crack apart in winter's harsh, low-humidity environment. Cracked seals and hoses can also allow the refrigerant to escape into the atmosphere, compounding the troubles affecting your AC system.
Your AC system also uses these refrigerant oils to keep the compressor well-lubricated and able to work efficiently. Without an adequate amount of refrigerant and lubricant available, the compressor will eventually sustain severe damage.
How Often Should You Use Your AC?
Fortunately, you won't have to keep your car's AC system running nonstop to keep it in good health. Simply running your AC at least once a week should be enough to keep its internals lubricated.
Another neat trick you can use to preserve your AC system without sacrificing heat is to have the climate control set to AC mode while the temperature dial is still set to heat. This trick is easiest to pull off on vehicles whose climate control systems feature a dedicated "AC" button.
Other Ways to Keep Your AC in Great Shape
In addition to running your car's AC system on a regular basis, you should also have it checked and serviced by a trained and certified mechanic annually, preferably before the first warm day of spring. During your AC checkup, your mechanic will take a close look at the AC system and check for overall system wear and tear.
Your mechanic may also check how much refrigerant remains in the AC system. Although refrigerant does not evaporate or get used up like other fluids, it can be lost through leaks within the AC system. Your mechanic, someone from a place like Jason's Auto Repair, may use special dyes to track down leaky AC components, with the eventual goal of replacing those parts.
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