With summer temperatures rising, keeping your Volkswagen’s air conditioner maintained becomes a priority. Auto air conditioners rely on a number of components, including the condenser, evaporator, and compressor, in order to operate properly. If even one of these components has been damaged by wear and tear, your car won’t be able to produce cool air for very long. To avoid this kind of problem, keep the following maintenance tips in mind.

Use the Air Conditioner Regularly

Failing to use your air conditioner can result in its components becoming sluggish, meaning it might fail to operate when the temperature rises. That’s why backup vehicles that are always in storage tend to have poor air conditioner systems – they’re simply not used enough to keep the components working effectively. Running the air conditioner at least once a week for ten minutes will help maintain the unit’s gas pressure, which helps the compressor work the way it’s supposed to work. When running the air conditioner, be sure to turn it up to its coolest setting and highest fan speed.

Also, while it may seem illogical to run the air conditioner during the wintertime, it’s important to keep in mind that your car’s A/C is designed to do more than cool the cabin. Air conditioners primarily remove cabin humidity, which is useful when you need to clear fog from the windshield. An automotive air conditioning system is also designed to remove stuffy and stale air from within the vehicle, dispersing cleaner, more breathable air into the cabin.

Run the Defrost Mode

Turning on your Volkswagen’s defrost mode and running it for five to 10 minutes helps prevent mildew and odors from accumulating in the system. Excessive moisture can result in musty smells, which is yet another reason to run the climate control system at least once a week. This is particularly important if you live in a humid area where mold and mildew tend to flourish.

Recharge the Air Conditioner

If the air coming in through your Volkswagen’s vents isn’t as cold as it once was, it may be time to recharge the air conditioner. This process refers to topping off the system’s refrigerant, which is a relatively simple process that will result in a nice blast of icy cold air. If you’re not the DIY type, have the experts at Dave Walter Volkswagen complete the task for you.

Have Your Car’s Air Conditioner Professionally Serviced

Simple maintenance tasks can only go so far. If your Volkswagen’s climate control system has sustained significant damage, your best bet is to bring it in for a tune-up. Dave Walter Volkswagen will check your air conditioner each time you bring in your vehicle for preventative maintenance service. Having expert eyes on hand to catch potential problems before they become major issues is better than dealing with scorching heat later on, so don’t put off your Volkswagen’s annual servicing.

Keeping your car’s air conditioner cool is easy when you understand the general maintenance required. Schedule your next tune-up with Dave Walter Volkswagen and we’ll be happy to bring your climate control system back up to speed.

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