Is there anything worse than a stuffy cabin that’s as hot as the summer heat outside your car? Air conditioning (A/C) systems are specifically designed to keep you cool as you drive, but older vehicles can struggle to keep up with the worsening climate. The good news is that you don’t have to just sit there and take the heat. Here’s how to make your car A/C cooler with popular upgrades and accessories:
Did you know replacing your car’s old A/C compressor can improve your entire A/C system’s cooling capacity by up to 20%? Most modern compressors typically use less energy to provide the same level of cooling than older compressors, which means you’ll benefit from improved fuel economy as well.
Just be sure to get one that’s compatible with your vehicle, or you might end up with an A/C system that won’t work. If you aren’t 100% sure, you can ask a trusted mechanic for advice.
Also known as serpentine belts, A/C compressor belts can sometimes become loose due to a failed pulley. There are two types of failures, one concerning the pulley or bearing and the other related to the actual tensioner. If the pulley fails, there will be a bearing noise or something will seize up. If your tensioner fails, then you have to replace the assembly.
A misaligned belt can prevent the entire A/C system from functioning properly. To set things right, you’ll need an A/C belt tensioner to apply pressure to the belt until it’s tight enough.
There are two types of A/C belt tensioner failures: the pulley/bearing failure, and tensioner failure. If the pulley fails, there will be a bearing noise or something will seize up. If your tensioner fails, then you have to replace the entire assembly.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
A/C evaporators typically last the vehicle’s lifetime but can sometimes fail due to a buildup of dust, mold, and debris. If this happens, you’ll start to notice hot air blowing from your A/C vents. In some cases, a failed evaporator can also prevent the compressor from turning on. To keep your cabin cool again, you’ll have to replace the faulty evaporator as soon as possible. You can replace it yourself, but it’s best to have it diagnosed by an automotive shop.
If your vehicle still uses the traditional tube and fin condenser, why not make the switch to a parallel flow A/C condenser? Traditional condensers consist of one continuous tube that wraps across a plane, allowing heat to radiate away from the system. Parallel flow condensers, on the other hand, use multiple tubes, allowing heat transfer to occur more efficiently. Keep in mind that you can only do this if it is offered for your vehicle.
Another common problem with A/C condensers is the fins get clogged up with dirt, debris, and other contaminants. You can try to blow them out first before replacing the condenser.
Cabin air filters allow you to breathe clean and cool air by preventing dirt and other debris from entering your vehicle. Over time, however, these filters can get clogged, preventing air from flowing freely into your cabin. This can also cause dust and unpleasant odors to enter your vehicle. To make sure you’re getting the best of your A/C, replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Air fresheners don’t just make your cabin smell better. They also eliminate any airborne pathogens floating around in your car, improving air quality. The best part is you can choose from different types of air fresheners. You can get one that’s mounted to your A/C vents or a spray type that can eliminate foul smells with a single spritz.
There are also sprays you can get that you spray into the inlet air duct, which goes through the A/C evaporator core.
Cabin temperatures can reach 109°F on a hot summer day, causing your A/C to work harder to bring the temperature back up. Sun shades prevent your interior from getting too hot by reflecting sunlight. Just place them under your windshield before exiting your parked vehicle.
If you’re looking for a car A/C alternative, you can always go for an interior fan. Interior fans are mounted on the dashboard or side panel of the vehicle, where they blow air to passengers. They might not be as powerful as most A/C systems, but they’re great at promoting airflow. Any stuffy cabin can surely benefit from an interior fan or two.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.