In just 20 minutes your car can get to 120 degrees in 90 degree heat!
Keep Your Car Cool this Summer!
You may have noticed that the heat has been especially taxing lately when you get into your car. People are experiencing record-high temperatures across the world. In fact, the recent July 4th Holiday, and the days that followed it, marked the hottest days ever on record.
If one thing comes from this heat, it’s likely an increase in the gratitude you have for your vehicle’s working air condition system. But did you know that automobile A/C spans all the way back to 1933? Despite the game-changing invention’s roots, it took 20 more years to make its way into some semblance of standard production. And what was the brand and vehicle to do it? Chrysler did it with the 1953 Chrysler Imperial (the “Airtemp” system).
Moral of the story: If you’re looking for a brand committed to helping you stay cool, check out Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat — part of the brand family that pioneered keeping you comfortable! Enough with the history lessons, though; what’s really important is knowing what this historic heat wave means for your car’s air conditioning and your ability to remain comfortable in record temperature highs!
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioning
Most people rarely put any thought into their air conditioning other than, “Ah, I’m glad it’s on!” But what exactly makes it work?
Air conditioning units typically have three main parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. The compressor is responsible for drawing out refrigerant — the agent responsible for cooling and moving it into the condenser. Once the refrigerant enters the condenser, it removes the moisture, pushing out cool air. Finally, it reaches the evaporator in the vehicle’s cabin, which evaporates the refrigerant and returns it to its liquid form, allowing the whole process to begin again.
Feel free to read more about the science behind your vehicle’s air conditioning at this resource provided by Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat! Knowing how your car gets cool is a necessary first step to protecting that system.
Ways To Take Care of Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioner
While the system breakdown seems complex on the surface, knowing just a few simple tips to ensure its longevity can be the difference between a summer of fun and one where you dread leaving your home.
Utilize Your Vehicle’s Defrost Mode
While turning on defrost in a record-breaking heatwave may seem ludicrous, it can go a long way for the health of your car. Defrost mode at the highest and coldest setting ensures your compressor is running and takes care of any potential growth of mold and mildew. It’s a practice worth doing consistently, as frequently as once a week — even during winter!
Pay Attention to Your Air Filter
Dirty air filters contain dirt and particle accumulation that can block airflow, which forces your air conditioner to work harder. Have your filter checked, cleaned, and replaced regularly. Your vehicle will thank you!
Maintain a Clean Car
While on the topic of filters, one way to ensure your filters aren’t inundated with dirt, dust, and other particles is by keeping your car clean to begin with. The more items in your car that contribute to the mess, the higher the likelihood of your air filters becoming clogged. Create a simple routine of tidying your interior each day.
Set Your Car to the Coldest Setting
Air conditioning works best in its coolest setting. Turning towards a milder temperature will force your car to adjust the temperature it puts out instead of defaulting to the regular coldest setting. If you find yourself shivering, try adjusting the power of the fan instead of the temperature. This simplifies the job your unit has and results in a comfortable trip.
Don’t Cool Your Car Before Driving
In the winter, warming your car before driving is an excellent way to take care of your vehicle and ensure the long life of its heater. That couldn’t be further from the truth with cooling your vehicle. A vehicle’s air conditioning works best when you’re driving, so a sitting car can put more pressure on your air conditioning.
If you want to get cool as quickly as possible, you can try rolling down your back windows for the first few seconds to push out hot air. Otherwise, hop in and start driving. Your car will be cool before you know it!
Don’t Recirculate Your A/C if You Have Passengers in the Backseat
Recirculating your A/C is a good idea if you’re the only person in the car, but the setting pulls the cooler air from the back of your vehicle, meaning a world of discomfort for those potential passengers in the back seat. Instead, make sure your fans point to the optimal points in your vehicle to keep every passenger is comfortable.
Have Your Car Serviced By Professionals
While these tips will extend the life of your air conditioner, it’s normal for it to run into problems (like all systems and machines). Going to service your car with a dealership or mechanic that has the necessary expertise is one of the only ways to remedy a malfunctioning air conditioner.
Other Ways To Keep Your Car Cool
An air conditioner can only do so much, so how else can you keep your vehicle cool? Finding ways to prevent your vehicle from getting extremely hot in the first place is key to staying cool and removing pressure from your air conditioner. After all, the inside of your vehicle is usually hotter than the air around it!
Limit Exposure to the Sun
Parking in the shade or utilizing a window shade screen is a sure way to reduce the overall temperature of your parked car. This makes it easier for your air conditioner to bring it to a comfortable temperature quicker.
Crack Your Windows
It’s old advice, but it’s sage. Cracking your windows lets your car stay at a reasonable temperature instead of baking in the sun. That, plus a running A/C, forces the hot air out and holds the cold air in.
Window Tinting?
One question many people have is, “Does window tinting keep my car cool?” The short answer is yes. Window tinting reduces the amount of thermal rays, keeping your car’s overall temperature down. This is one of the main reasons people tint their vehicles, office windows, etc.
That said, don’t run and schedule a window tinting appointment just yet! Some state and local laws don’t allow window tinting. The darkest tint allowed in North Carolina is 32%, though some people can tint up to 70% with a medical exception.
If you’re scheduling an appointment for window tinting, or doing it from home, make sure you comply with all the current rules and regulations. Having your car be a tad warmer is better than receiving a costly ticket!
Getting Familiar With Mount Airy CDJRF’s Service Department
With the recent record-breaking heat wave, it’s a good idea to service your vehicle before we enter the hotter days that are surely ahead. And if you’re in North Carolina, Virginia, or the surrounding Mount Airy area, there’s no better place to go for a much-needed service than Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat.
“Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT has been doing business in Surry County since the 1960s. Our commitment to our customers does not stop at the new car department. We intend to stick with you and give you the very best that we have to offer throughout the lifetime of your car, truck, or SUV. We aim to please you by offering comprehensive care via our car service and repair center.” – Mount Airy CDJRF
The professionals at Mount Airy CDJRF want to work with you and your schedule to ensure your service appointment goes as smoothly as possible. With a schedule anywhere link, you can set up your next service appointment in no time, right from your phone.
Then there’s the fact that we offer of a “Social Distance” service, where you can have your car taken care of by simply dropping your vehicle off! See what one customer has to say regarding how easy our dealership make a service appointment:
Concerning air conditioning, Mount Airy CDJRF has the knowhow to make sure your car will be cool all summer long, and the dealership’s service team has a track record of repairing A/C systems for the long haul:
Don’t sweat the heat! Call and schedule a service appointment with Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat today to keep your summer cool and fun!
