Use Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Auto AC Repair Bills?

Many new model vehicles come equipped with a feature known as climate control. Climate control is part of the heating-cooling-ventilating system included in the vehicle and is commonly referred to as the air management system. It is designed to maintain the temperature of the passenger compartment at a setting selected by the driver. In order to do this, the climate control system will automatically switch between heat and AC as needed to keep the passenger compartment temperature constant.

Additionally, the vehicle's air management system is also responsible for filtering the air that recirculates within the passenger compartment. The filtering component is known as a compartment filter, and it must be replaced periodically in order for the air management system to operate correctly. A clogged compartment filter will restrict airflow through the air management system, thereby reducing the efficiency of that system. In fact, the symptoms of a restricted air management system will imitate symptoms of problems that are costly to repair.

A clogged compartment filter will make passengers feel uncomfortable, even though the air management system is operating. This problem becomes more evident when passenger compartment cooling is used. An air management system restriction will imitate an AC system that is leaking refrigerant, or an AC system that has electrical problems with its temperature sensing components. Indeed, either of the aforementioned problems can cause expensive AC repair bills.

The easiest way to avoid costly AC repair bills is to have the vehicle's air management system periodically checked by a trained AC technician. Automotive AC technicians are knowledgeable in vehicle air management system diagnosis and repair, and can trouble shoot AC problems in a timely manner. Moreover, a trained AC technician will know the difference between a restricted compartment filter, and the more costly AC refrigerant leak.

By investing small amounts of money on regular maintenance, costly auto AC repair bills can be avoided. A simple and inexpensive passenger compartment filter change can save money on gasoline, because a clean compartment filter allows the air management system to operate efficiently. Furthermore, regular maintenance will provide the vehicle owner with peace of mind by knowing that the uncomfortable feeling AC quality was a simple filter change and not a costly AC refrigerant leak.