Cold Facts About A/C Refrigerant

In the past few years, many car owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending upon the make and model of the vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade named Du Pont Freon, has been replaced by R134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been the standard since '94.
 
If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the air conditioning system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You may also need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants, as they are not inter-changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Further, according to the Car Care Council, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you're damaging the ozone layer.
 
An annual inspection of the vehicle, including the air conditioning system, may help forestall costly repairs. Many automotive repair shops offer A/C inspection specials during warm weather, and it's easy have your system evaluated so it can function at maximum efficiency.
 

Springtime and Driving Your Vehicle Green

As we transition from Winter into Spring, and green slowly becomes the dominant color outdoors, here are several tips that will save you a little “green” and also help the environment.    Drive Green – Recognize that...

10 Springtime Car Care Tips

After a winter that seemed to last 6 months, Spring is just about here. The calendar says we have “officially” arrived and the switch to Day Light Savings Time means that we have more hours of daylight when we return home.   Now...

Protect Your Vehicle During Pothole Season

By this time of year, most of us are sick and tired of winter. The long, dark winter days with the endless sub-freezing temperatures and record snow fall have made us look forward to the warmer temperatures of Spring. However, with these warmer...

When to Change Your Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens and should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual. The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way...

Essential Items to Keep in Your Car

   When severe weather hits, being stuck in your car for long periods of time can not only be an inconvenience, it can be downright dangerous. Recent winter storms in many states have caught drivers off guard, turning their normal...

The ABC's of Car Care

It’s always best to have a plan, and here is The Car Care Council’s plan to keep your vehicle at its peak performance.   A -- Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan. B -- Be sure to have your car inspected when...

Winter Driving Tips

Now that Winter is officially here, most of us that live in the cold weather climates can expect hazardous road conditions frequently during the season. Add to the already colder than normal temperatures with the weather forecast models...

Don't Ignore Your Check Engine Light

Chances are at one time or another, you probably experienced a Check Engine Light on your vehicle’s driver information area or dashboard. Even though your car may still continue to run, do not take this warning lightly. Sometimes the fix can...

A Bright Idea: Check Your Vehicle Lights and Wipers

As the days get shorter, it’s a bright idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, advises the Car Care Council. Lights and wipers play a...

How to Save Money on Brakes

It’s no secret your vehicle’s brakes are an essential safety system. With complex hydraulic mechanisms and plenty of parts that need replacing on a regular basis, it’s always tempting to put off your brake service as long as...

Reminder for Motorists to Check Vehicle Lights

The end of Daylight Savings Time happens in most parts of the United States during the first weekend in November and creates unfamiliar driving conditions that can be hazardous without proper vehicle lighting. The Car Care Council recommends...

Looking for the Truth behind Popular Myths

The internet is a breeding ground for automotive myths. Some bloggers recall the SUVs of yesteryear and declare their modern decedents to be virtually maintenance free and that anyone who says otherwise is out to rip you off.   The first...

10 Basic Maintenance Procedures

Neglected vehicle care almost always mean higher costs down the road in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value. A routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending the vehicle life and helping avoiding costly repairs....

What Motor Oil is Best for Your Car?

Obviously, motor oil is extremely important to your car. It's the lubricant that prevents excessive engine wear and is vital for the continued proper functioning of your vehicle. As you know there are many different types of oil to choose from, so...

What to Do in Event of an Accident

Accidents are always stressful events, no matter how serious the results. It can be difficult to process what exactly happened during an accident and what to do when the dust has settled. Below is an immediate action guideline that could...

How to Save Money on Fuel

Getting into the habit of saving on fuel now will mean you'll be ready when gas prices start hitting the $4.00 a gallon mark again. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment on a fuel efficient vehicle, so take a look at our top 5 ways to...

Preventive Maintenance is Key

If you want to avoid nasty and unexpected vehicle maintenance costs, sticking to a regimented schedule of preventive maintenance is something you are going to want to get used to. The reason is simple. Frequent maintenance will keep your car in good...

Summer Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries

Summer's extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle's battery. Auto-Lab advises vehicle owners to have their cars' batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.   Excessive heat and overcharging shortens...
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