Winter is upon us. Having your car’s air conditioning checked may be the last thing on your priority list at this time, but ignoring your car’s AC during the cold season can cause problems and costly repairs in the future.

When temperatures drop below freezing, running your vehicle’s air conditioning system becomes more critical than ever. Below, we’ll discuss the reasons you should be running your ac system even in the coldest winter.

Air Conditioning System Basics

An air conditioning system consists of several parts, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and blower fan. The compressor compresses refrigerant gas into a liquid state, then passes it through the condenser, where heat is removed from the refrigerant. This allows the refrigerant to turn back into a gaseous state and pass through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. As the refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it turns back into a liquid state and returns to the compressor. The blower fan moves air across the evaporator, cooling the air as it goes.

The Importance Of Running Your AC In The Cold Months

The air conditioner is an essential part of any vehicle, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.

It is important to keep your vehicle’s AC running properly at all times. It helps keep passengers comfortable while driving on icy roads as it dehumidifies the air. It can also supply dry air to your engine, which will help it run properly. Moreover, running your AC regularly allows the liquids inside it, such as refrigerant and oil, to circulate to avoid leaks and others costly issues. 

If your car is equipped with an automatic climate control system, it will automatically adjust the temperature based on outside conditions. However, if your car has no automatic climate control system and you leave the windows open while driving, you should check the temperature every hour or two to make sure it stays within safe operating parameters.

Common AC Problems That Can Occur During Winter

There are several common problems that can occur when your vehicle’s climate control system malfunctions during winter months. These problems include:

• Low coolant levels
• Overheating
• Poor air quality
• Faulty AC compressor

If not given proper attention, freezing temperatures can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other parts. This is why it is important to check your vehicle regularly for signs of freeze damage.

If you notice any issues with your car’s air conditioning unit, make sure to contact HEART Auto Care as soon as possible. Our licensed technicians will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with solutions to help keep your AC running smoothly.