Why Your Car’s Air Con Isn’t Just for Summer - Air Con in Lincoln
Why Your Car’s Air Con Isn’t Just for Summer - Air Con in Lincoln
Many drivers think of their car’s air conditioning system as something they only need during hot summer months. While air con is essential for keeping you cool in warm weather, it plays a crucial role all year round—especially in winter.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we regularly see cars with air con issues that could have been avoided with regular use and servicing. In this article, we’ll explain why your air con system isn’t just for summer, how it benefits you in colder months, and why regular maintenance is essential.
How Your Car’s Air Conditioning Works
Your car’s air conditioning system does more than just blow cold air—it’s responsible for:
✅ Cooling the air inside your vehicle during warm weather.
✅ Removing moisture from the air, helping to clear fogged-up windows in winter.
✅ Filtering out dust and allergens, improving air quality inside the car.
The system works by compressing and circulating refrigerant gas, which absorbs heat and moisture from the cabin air before releasing it outside. This cycle is essential for keeping both temperature and humidity under control inside your car.
Why You Should Use Your Air Con in Winter
Many people turn off their air conditioning during the colder months, believing it’s unnecessary when it’s already cool outside. However, doing this can actually reduce the system’s efficiency and cause long-term issues. Here’s why you should keep it running all year round:
1. Clears Fogged-Up Windows Faster
🚗 The Problem:
- In winter, moisture from your breath, wet clothes, and cold air can cause your windscreen to fog up rapidly.
- Blasting warm air alone won’t always clear condensation quickly.
❄️ How Air Con Helps:
- Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, helping to defog windows much faster than using heat alone.
- Using both heat and air con together is the most effective way to clear fogged-up glass.
✅ Tip: Switch your air con on when defrosting your car to improve visibility and safety.
2. Prevents Air Con System Damage
🚗 The Problem:
- When not in use, the rubber seals in the air con system can dry out, leading to refrigerant leaks.
- Lack of circulation causes gas and oil inside the system to settle, which can lead to blockages.
🔧 How to Prevent This:
- Run your air con for at least 10 minutes every week, even in winter, to keep the system lubricated.
- This prevents costly repairs or re-gassing due to dried-out seals and refrigerant loss.
✅ Tip: Use your air con briefly even when it’s cold to keep the system healthy.
3. Reduces Bacteria and Mould Growth
🚗 The Problem:
- A rarely used air con system can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, leading to musty odours when switched on again in summer.
- These airborne particles can cause allergic reactions or respiratory irritation.
🦠 How to Keep It Fresh:
- Using your air con regularly prevents bacteria from building up in the vents and filters.
- Consider an air con antibacterial treatment if you notice unpleasant smells.
✅ Tip: Get an air con service every 12-24 months to keep the system clean and efficient.
4. Improves Fuel Efficiency
🚗 The Problem:
- When air con isn’t used regularly, it can become inefficient, forcing the compressor to work harder when you eventually turn it back on.
- A struggling system increases fuel consumption.
⛽ How to Keep It Efficient:
- Running your air con periodically prevents refrigerant and lubricant from stagnating, ensuring smooth operation when needed.
✅ Tip: Don’t wait until summer—regular use throughout the year keeps your air con system running at peak efficiency.
Why Regular Air Con Servicing Is Essential
Just like other car components, your air conditioning system needs regular maintenance to perform effectively. Over time, refrigerant gas depletes, and components can wear out.
When Should You Get Your Air Con Serviced?
🔹 Re-gas every 2-3 years to maintain optimal cooling performance.
🔹 Annual inspections to check for leaks, worn seals, or bacterial buildup.
🔹 Immediate servicing if you notice weak airflow, bad odours, or inconsistent cooling.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we offer air con servicing and re-gassing to keep your system working efficiently all year round.
Book Your Air Con Service at Andrews Car Centre
If you haven’t used your air con in a while, now’s the time to test it! Whether you need a simple re-gas or a full system check, our expert technicians are here to help.
📞 Call us today or visit our website to book an air con service. Keep your car comfortable, fog-free, and efficient—no matter the season!