DOING This Will MAKE Your Car's AC Blow TWICE as COLD!!, by Car Obsessed on YouTube. 15 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park in shade and let the engine cool. Open the bonnet and find the AC condenser, the thin radiator-like part at the very front, ahead of the engine radiator.
Spray the condenser with water from a hose, working from the front. Rinse off bugs, leaves and road grime so air can pass through the fins.
Use a soft brush or your hand to clear leaves and debris from the gap between the condenser and radiator. Do not bend the thin fins.
Open the glovebox and check your owner's manual for the cabin air filter location. Remove the old filter and hold it up to the light.
Fit a new cabin air filter if the old one is grey, clogged or smelly. Note the airflow arrow direction before you slide it in.
Start the engine and set the AC to its coldest setting with the fan on high. Press the recirculation button so the car cools its own air instead of hot outside air.
Open the windows for the first minute to dump trapped heat, then close them. Recirculation then gets cold air to you much faster.
Check the engine coolant level in the expansion tank when the engine is cold. Top up to the marked line with the correct coolant mix if it is low.
Feel the air from the vents after a few minutes of driving. If it is still warm, book a professional AC check rather than adding a cheap refrigerant can.
Tips and common mistakes
Never open the coolant cap while the engine is hot, as scalding fluid can spray out.
A sealed AC system should not need constant refrigerant top-ups. Low gas usually means a leak, so let a pro recharge by weight.
Do not use cheap sealant cans. They can damage the compressor and cost far more than a proper repair.
Releasing refrigerant into the air is illegal in many countries, so never vent gas yourself.
Questions
Why does my AC blow warm when the engine coolant is low?
The heater core and AC share the same air box. Low coolant can stop the heater control valve working properly and let warm air mix in. Top up the coolant when the engine is cold.
Can I just buy a refrigerant can and top up my AC?
It is risky. Most systems are low because of a leak, and overfilling or using the wrong refrigerant can wreck the compressor. A garage recharges by weight with the correct gas.
How often should I change the cabin air filter?
Most makers suggest every 15,000 to 30,000 km or once a year. If you drive in dusty areas, check it more often, as a clogged filter cuts airflow.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
