Here in the Tampa Bay area, we just turned the corner. It’s now running around 90 to 92 degrees every day, and the heat is upon us. You may be wondering how that will affect your car.

Tire Maintenance
Tires can take particularly hard wear in the summer. If any of your tires are low, they are at risk for overheating and blowing out. This is an even bigger risk on hot days that have heated up the road to high temperatures. Never drive in the summer with under-inflated tires. Every month, perform a pressure check on each tire. It is common for tires to lose a pound of pressure every month with normal driving. When checking the pressure, allow the tires to cool down for a more effective pressure reading. Keep your tires at the recommended pressure detailed in the manufacturer’s manual.

Checking Your Fluids
Many of the fluids your car uses are used to cool various systems and keep them from overheating. If any of these fluids are too low, they will not be able to effectively cool them. As part of your regular car maintenance, it’s important to check those fluids regularly during the summer to ensure that no fluids are low. Be sure to check the motor oil, as well as the steering fluid, the transmission fluid, and the brake fluid for any loss. Always refill them with the fluid types that are recommended by the manufacturer.

Curbing Engine Heat
In the summer, the heat generated by the engine can be exacerbated by the high temperatures outside. With this comes the risk of an overheating engine. To prevent this from happening, flush out the cooling system during the summer season. You can look at the instructions from the car’s manufacturer to find out how to do this properly, but we recommend having a professional perform this maintenance as a part of a more comprehensive service on your car’s cooling system. In between the system flushes, check the coolant to make sure it is full enough to help handle the heat. When you do this, look at the drive belts and the hoses, using the manufacturer’s instructions, to make sure that the summer heat hasn’t caused any cracks or other damage.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.

Another common cause of window air conditioners not blowing cold air is a lack of adequate air flow. In a properly working air conditioner, a fan will draw air over the evaporator coils, where it is cooled, and then be re-circulated back into the room. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, there may be little or no air flow over the evaporator coils, which may cause them to become too cold and frost or ice can form on them, restricting the air flow even more. This will result in little or no cool air being circulated into the room. The air filter is normally located behind the front grille which may have a side access opening. Clean or replace the filter as often as required. If the evaporator coils are very dirty then cleaning with soapy water and a soft brush will be required and we also recommend changing the filter.

If your window air conditioner is not blowing cold air, the problem could be the fan or fan motor. In a properly working air conditioner, the fan will draw air over the cold evaporator coils and then re-circulate the air back into the room. If the circulating fan is not running or running too slow, little or no air flow over the evaporator coils will allow them to become too cold and frost or ice can form, restricting the air flow even more. The fan and motor are located inside so removal of the cabinet will be necessary to perform any checks. Make sure that the fan motor will turn easily and that the blades are not damaged. If the motor is seized or if the fan blades are damaged then they will need to be replaced. If the motor turns easily it may still be defective or it may not be getting power from the controls. These tests are more complicated and should be performed by a qualified person who is comfortable with the use of a multi-meter.

Reason #1: Your Car is Leaking Refrigerant

Reason #2: The Condenser is Blocked

Reason #3: The Condenser is Broken

Reason #4: Electrical Issues

Reason #5: Faulty Cooling Fans

Reason #6: The Compressor Has Gone Bad

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.