Air-Conditioning: A Condition of Being Cool

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Submitted by Brett Hardcastle for Tumwater Automotive

tumwater automotiveWhen the weather heats up you expect your auto air conditioning (A/C) to work, right? Would you agree it’s a good idea to keep cool in summer? Do you know what to ask your shop to check?

Drive Belt

A drive belt makes the air-conditioning compressor turn, and that keeps the cooling refrigerant circulating like it should. If the belt is worn, stretched or cracked it can slip or break — which stops the compressor. When that happens, circulation stops and air conditioners quit cooling.

Air-conditioning Condenser

The air-conditioning condenser is located in front of the vehicle’s radiator and looks a lot like the radiator. Refrigerant runs through the condenser and air flows across its cooling fins, removing heat from the circulating refrigerant. If the fins become damaged or plugged up with debris, air flow is restricted, and that means heat isn’t removed properly. Restriction can also cause the vehicle to overheat. Check the fins periodically to make sure they are clean and in good condition.

Cooling System

Coolant or antifreeze isn’t just for winter’s cold temperatures. Coolant is also the fluid that removes heat from the engine to the radiator to cool the engine. If the coolant is too old, it may turn to a gel and block circulation. Also, rust and scale deposits can cause overheating and breakdown. That will be costly, damaging engine parts including hoses, gaskets and seals. Did you know that the most common cause of a mechanical breakdown on the highway is cooling system failure?

A Few More Tips

When you get into a hot car, roll your windows down a little for the first few blocks. If you have an air recirculating control, make sure it’s turned off. After the hot air is gone, turn on the recirculating feature to get the most out of your system.

We’re all concerned with fuel mileage, but modern auto air-conditioning systems are quite efficient. Studies have shown that turning off the A/C results in minimal gas savings.

If you discover a problem with your vehicle’s A/C, take the vehicle to a trusted technician.

Tumwater Automotive will assist you in keeping those valuable supporting documentation. Our certified technicians maintain your vehicle’s warranty and your peace of mind. And, we’ll pick you up and take you back to your home.

We are prepared to help youtumwater automotive

  1. We will alert you to needed maintenance and repairs.
  2. We will listen to you and your car, using our trained knowledge, searching for the little things that soon grow to be big problems.
  3. We have the equipment to service today’s sophisticated vehicles.
  4. We have the years of experience, training and access to the information to avoid the inconveniences along the road.

Just give us a call and trust us to treat you and your vehicle as part of the Tumwater Automotive family – a legacy of caring for others. We pick you up and take you back to work or home five days a week. And, we’re nice people too!

Feel free to call us for advice. Many of your co-workers already do.

Brett and Denise Hardcastle are the owners of Tumwater Automotive and the Tumwater Auto Spa at 6020 Capitol Blvd. SE. Brett and his staff can be reached at (360) 943-9097, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. with a free shuttle from home or work. Keep your car finish like new at the Tumwater Auto Spa Car Wash, next door. Keep your vehicle looking good and running – inside and out. Plus, take advantage of the prepaid reduced wash cards for friends, family and co-workers.

 

 

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