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Apr 26, 2024
Keeping Your Kia Cool: AC Maintenance and Repair

With warmer months on the horizon, it’s important to confirm your vehicle’s air conditioning system is prepared for the heat. AC maintenance is one of many vehicle components that need attention during routine service. Learn all you need to know about AC repair at your Kia dealer. 

Keeping Your Kia Cool: AC Maintenance and Repair

As a rule of thumb, your Kia owner’s manual may recommend routine air conditioning service at least once a year to ensure all filters, belts, and fluids are in optimal condition. Your Kia mechanic may recommend scheduling service at the start of spring or summer to prepare your AC unit for hot weather activity. This may also be a good time to switch to summer tires or schedule other warm weather maintenance.

Repairing your AC system typically involves replacing air vents, cleaning the condenser, or fixing cooling fans. If your vehicle has a refrigerant leak, then the leak will need to be addressed before new refrigerant can be added to your vehicle.

Signs You Need AC Repair at Your Kia Dealer

You should always schedule service for your AC as soon as you notice performance issues, such as your air conditioner blowing hot air even with the temperature setting low. Your AC unit is closely connected to your fuel consumption, so you may want to schedule service if you notice your fuel economy is less efficient than normal. 

It’s also a good idea to schedule AC service if you notice unusual smells in the cabin, such as mildew. If there is a sweet smell when you run your AC unit, then you may have an antifreeze leak that needs to be addressed right away.

Can You Help Your AC Perform Better?

The way you use your vehicle’s AC unit can have an impact on how well your air conditioner performs. On very hot days, it’s a good idea to open your windows to let out the hot air that has accumulated in the cabin for several minutes before turning on your air conditioning system. You can also alternate between the recirculating mode and the outside air mode to extend the life of air filters. 

As for the AC settings, you will save on fuel costs and reduce stress on your vehicle’s climate system if you run your AC unit at the lowest possible temperature. To adjust the intensity of the cool air, you can reduce the fan speed or change the air vent direction rather than turning the air temperature higher.

You can schedule service for your vehicle’s AC system as part of warm weather maintenance or when you notice AC performance issues. Visit Kelly Grimsley Kia in Odessa, TX or book a service appointment online today.