You're stuck in traffic in the middle of an episode of exceptional heat for this time of year. You decide to dust the air conditioning button of your vehicle and, when you turn it on, you notice that the power of the air conditioner is very weak, or even that it is expelling hot air. What should you do so that the air conditioning does not fail you when you need it most?
Vehicle air conditioners tend to break down after not being used for a while. To prevent its lack in summer, the best thing you can do is check that it works correctly in winter. A good practice is to turn on the air conditioner from time to time, even if you don't need it, to verify that it maintains its cooling function. If it doesn't come out cold or you can't defog the windows, they will be indicators that you need to replace your gas tank.
A weak or insufficient air conditioning pressure will tell you that it is working with an inadequate amount of refrigerant gas. Sometimes this gas is lost through small leaks in your circuit. Undoubtedly, it will be a handicap for the efficiency of your vehicle, since a failure of this type in the climate control system will cause it to pull more fuel.
Both the level of the refrigerant gas in the air conditioning and the state of the pollen filter should be checked during your periodic visits to the workshop. A gas charge usually lasts about three years, although the optimization of this deposit will depend on the characteristics of your vehicle or the geographical area where you live. In places with hot climates it will run out sooner than in areas with mild or cold climates. In any case, it is advisable to review the level of the charge before the arrival of summer.
On the other hand, the cabin air filter is usually replaced every 15,000 kilometers. It is recommended that you or your workshop keep track to comply with the required changes, since the good condition of this element will guarantee a better operation of the air conditioning system.
Although there are specialized kits on the market to replace the refrigerant gas yourself, it is a dangerous process. This gas is handled at very low temperatures, so if you do not take the proper precautions, it could cause serious injuries to your eyes and skin. In short, it is a delicate material, so it is best that you take it to your trusted workshop, where they will have the appropriate protection systems. A new charge of gas will cost you about 50 euros and will vary depending on the model of the vehicle.
