How to Clean Your Car’s AC

S ummer has arrived. The sweltering heat should serve as a reminder for everyone to examine the condition of their car's air conditioning (AC) system. Here is a helpful tutorial on how to clean your car's AC on your own because the last thing anybody wants on a lengthy car trip is a stuffy, overworked AC system. Instead of having your AC cleaned at the workshop, you can consider doing it at home and saving yourself some money.

Clean The Air Vents

It's not as simple as it may initially seem. Because of the narrow slit, it's difficult to clean the vents' innermost portions, which collect dirt. Using a foamy paint brush is recommended by experts because of its flexible features, while the comparatively thin but durable brush handle enables its users to enter it farther to clean hard-to-reach regions. Using this may cause some of the dirt to fall back down the pipes and into the AC filters, which is OK because you'll be cleaning it later.

Clean The Cabin Filter

It's a little difficult to clean the cabin's filter since it varies from car to car. However, in most cases, it may be found behind the glovebox.

To clean out any dirt and debris that may have collected in the vehicle's air conditioner, the very first task is to carefully remove the unit. Be sure to remove any of the air conditioning components you can find, such as hoses, evaporators, condensers, etc.

First and foremost, remove everything from the glove compartment. To get to the cabin filter, you'll first need to identify and carefully unhook all of the pegs attaching the glove box to the dashboard.

Each year, or around every 12,000-15,000 kilometers, automobile owners should change their air filters. The cabin air filter may be taken out and washed using an air pump if purchasing a new one is out of the question. Before putting everything back together, spray it with a vehicle deodorizer and/or disinfectant.

The Fans Should be Wiped or Brushed

This is the most difficult step. The engine must have been shut off for a while before you start it up again. Take a peek under the hood and identify the car's air conditioning condenser fan, which is normally positioned directly behind it (perpendicular to the bumper). It's best if you can get to the fan blades and wipe them clean. You should detach it from the engine compartment if you can. Remember how to reassemble everything.

Look at your ducts. These are huge tubes that come out of your evaporator tubes in zig-zag patterns. Leaks are what you're seeking here. Duct tape may be used to repair any rips or tears in the fabric. 

Spray The Condenser

In addition to the grill/front bumper grill, the condenser, which is the sieve component right behind it, also needs attention. In certain cases, you'll have to remove the front to get to it. Good news: after you've got access to it, simply hose it off and let it air dry to remove any remaining dirt. A short circuit may occur if other cables in the engine compartment are exposed to water.

Purchase a fresh, new, clean accumulator when this step is complete. You can get one from most car shops, but ensure you get the correct one for your car model. To reassemble, just reinstall the bolts and hoses in the same manner as they were originally installed.

You should expect to see an increase in the functioning of your car's air conditioning system once you've completed this cleaning. Avoid any problems by reading your car's owner's handbook and doing some research before disassembling any of your vehicle's components.

Conclusion

For those who aren't sure whether they can handle this type of DIY effort, it's preferable to just bring your automobile in for a professional service.It's important to keep your car's air conditioner clean, so don't skip this step. It's a wonderful method to preserve your engine, increase fuel economy, and get rid of unpleasant smells if necessary! Maintaining these considerations on how to clean your car’s AC can help you decide whether or not to include this on your car maintenance to-do list.