Intense heat, or cold winter days, make anyone uncomfortable. The discomfort is (even) more significant if the car’s air conditioner isn’t working as it’s supposed to.

This component minimizes the impact of temperature differences in the vehicle. But is that all the air conditioning does? The truth is that this component also reduces existing bacteria and fungi. However, only a properly maintained air conditioner ensures such functions.

An AC (air conditioner) that doesn’t work regularly can block valves, preventing it from correct functioning. Therefore, its maintenance is essential in both electric and traditional cars.

If you don’t turn your AC on as much as you should, get ready for the consequences.

Car air conditioning with no maintenance: the major (negative) effects

An unmaintained car air conditioner (seriously) damages your health. It creates a truly adverse impact — as are its effects:

• Blockages in the airflow;
• Bacteria and fungi accumulation;
• Unpleasant odor whenever you turn the air conditioner on;
• Problems in heating or cooling the vehicle as it’s supposed to;
• Strange sounds when you turn the AC on, associated with filter problems;
• Antifreeze liquid leaks, mainly in the compressors, pipes, and accessories.

What does it take to maintain a car air conditioner?

You realized by now that it’s essential to maintain a car air conditioner. But at what costs? Will you have to charge or replace this component altogether?

Understand the process better to avoid unpleasant situations.

How to charge the air conditioner

Yes, someone (a professional) has to charge your AC. And the process has 3 stages:

• Stage 1: removal of the existing residual gas. After this discharge, the professional performs a leak test to avoid future leaks (from the system tubes);
• Stage 2: lubrication of the entire air conditioning system, particularly the air compressor’s pistons, and valves;
• Stage 3: the professional charges the whole system with new gas. The inserted quantity varies depending on the manufacturer.

Remember, at all times, that only a professional must conduct such a process.

The maintenance costs

Maintaining your car’s air conditioner depends on its characteristics and specifications.

Costs also depend on the professionals. Still, expect to spend around €35 and €50.

However, if the maintenance includes other services — such as removing bacteria and filter changing — the price increases by an extra €15 (on average).

Air conditioner maintenance: 3 essential tips

You can’t use your car’s air conditioner under all the possible circumstances. The component isn’t ready (and it will never be). So it’s best to implement the following tips into your daily life.

1. Avoid leaving your vehicle under the sun

You enter a scorching and suffocating environment when you open the car door — after being in the sun for a long time.

At that point, the best way to cool the vehicle is to open the windows — while driving so that the air can circulate. Once the temperature drops, you can turn your car’s air conditioning on.

2. Respect the temperature difference

You should use your car’s air conditioner at a difference of 5 °C to 7 °C — between the outside and the inside temperature.

So avoid using the car air conditioner at its limit. Besides harming your health, it unnecessarily overloads this component.

3. Turn the AC on once in a while

Even if you don’t have the habit of turning your car’s air conditioner on, you should do it at least once a week. This (simple) action will prevent damage to the pipes and the compressor.

Try to service your car’s air conditioner at least once a year. Don’t postpone or delay a process that is simple and quick.

If you notice any of the problems we presented in this article, reach out to your mechanic.