How to Check Your Chevy’s AC Before Summer

The weather has been very on par with spring in Tulsa so far this season. Temperatures fluctuate between cool and warm, but we’re still several weeks away from the sweltering heat of summer. Knowing how long, hot, and humid our summers are, the last thing you want to do is get caught on a road trip or even a daily commute without functional AC. That’s why we’re here to tell you how to check your Chevy’s air conditioning system before summer.

The first step you should take is to conduct a basic functional test of the system. Start your vehicle, turn the AC to its lowest possible temperature setting, and turn the fan speed up as high as it will go. Give it a little bit of time for the system to kick in, then test the temperature. Is it blowing cold air, or just cool? If the air isn’t fully cold, then your system might not be as healthy as it should be.

• Also listen for noises, as loud squealing or a clicking sound when the air compressor engages could mean a worn serpentine belt or failing compressor clutch.
• Lastly, check the airflow. If the air is cold but the flow feels weak even on the highest setting, you could have issues with your ductwork or even the blower motor.

The cabin air filter is an integral and often overlooked component of the HVAC system in your Chevy vehicle. Responsible for trapping dust, pollen, and debris before they can enter the interior of your vehicle, this filter can become clogged over time. This can significantly restrict airflow and force the AC system to work harder than it should.

Most Chevrolet owner’s manuals recommend replacing this filter every 15,000 to 22,500 miles, but doing a lot of driving through conditions riddled with dust and similar debris might require more frequency. Bring your Chevy in for an inspection at whatever frequency works for you, or you can check your manual for instructions on how to check it yourself. In addition, be on the lookout for musty odors inside the cabin, as this usually means your filter is restricted.

The next step is to check your AC condenser for debris, similarly to the air filter. Your condenser is usually located right in front of the radiator and looks like a small mesh radiator of its own. This part is responsible for dissipating the heat removed from your cabin, but because of its location at the vehicle’s front it can become bogged down with bugs, leaves, and road grime.

If the condenser fins are blocked or bent, the refrigerant cannot properly cool down, which in turn leads to diminished AC performance. Just check this condenser for debris periodically, using a low-pressure garden hose or something similar. Just make sure you’re not using too much pressure or you could bend the fins even further. Feel free to bring your vehicle in if you’d prefer to have it cleaned by a professional.

Lastly you’re going to want to check for refrigerant leaks, as your AC operates on a closed loop. This means much like engine oil, refrigerant isn’t actually consumed but recycled. So if your air isn’t getting cold, there’s a very real possibility you have a leak. Look for greasy or oily spots on AC hoses, connections, and the compressor. If you find any, that’s likely the spot of a slow leak, which will require professional attention.