Car expert reveals DIY fix could save you £340 in repairs this summer – & help keep your car cool inside
A CAR expert has warned drivers to make vital checks that will keep them cool this summer and save from costly repairs.
As summer arrives, ensuring the refrigerant levels work becomes more important as it gets warmer.
Refrigerant levels control the temperature of the car through air conditioning.
However, sometimes they get blocked – resulting in warm air being blown out instead of cool air.
They can get clogged with dirt, debris and insects which causes them to malfunction.
Drivers can combat this problem by regularly cleaning out the condenser, which can ultimately increase its lifespan – according to experts.
Graham Conway, motoring expert at Select Car Leasing, explained that “low refrigerant levels” are the most common cause for warm air blowing from the car’s air conditioning.
He said: “Refrigerant is essential for keeping your AC system running smoothly as it replaces warm air with cold air while ensuring the interior stays cool.”
Drivers who suspect they have low refrigerant levels can buy recharge kits – available at most auto parts stores.
Alternatively, it can be bought online at Halfords for just under £30.
The car expert urged drivers to check their car manual before refilling it as there are different gases for specific motors.
Graham said: “If you’re not confident in the task, it’s much better and potentially safer to take your car to your preferred garage and let a specialist take over.”
If an unpleasant smell comes from the aircon it is most likely a “sign that the condenser is blocked”.
Savvy motorists may consider cleaning out the condenser themselves but risk a hefty repair bill if they get it wrong.
It is usually located in the front of the radiator and is also responsible for transporting warm air out of the car.
A clogged cabin air filter could be another reason for the air conditioner to blow warm air, Graham claimed.
The filter is behind the glovebox, which if compromised results in the car smelling foul.
It comes after a car expert warned drivers how a popular cleaning hack could cost them hundreds.
And this motor guru shared a newly popular “scam” on Facebook Marketplace that has drivers worried.