Check the AC in your car before summer

You may not have used the air conditioner in your car for a few months, but you’ll probably need it soon. The last thing you want is to discover that it isn’t working on the first hot day of the year. To avoid frustration, test the system before you need it.

How to inspect your air conditioner
The simplest way to make sure your air conditioner is working is to turn it on. Cold air should come out of the vents and the temperature and flow should increase and decrease when you adjust the settings. If everything’s working well, all you’ll need to do this spring is change the filter to ensure you breathe clean air all summer long.

Signs your air conditioner isn’t working
Air conditioning problems are most commonly caused by leaks. Either the coolant is dripping or damaged seals are allowing air and water to seep into the air conditioner’s components. Signs of an issue include the following:

• There’s no air at all

• The cooling is sporadic

• The air isn’t cold enough

• It makes loud noises when it’s on

If there’s a problem with your car’s air conditioner, you’ll be happy to have caught and fixed it before the start of summer.