Most Chicago auto owners don't even think about their car air conditioning system unless it fails. That’s because many Loves Park and Cherry Valley motorists don't really understand that automotive air conditioners need periodic service. Let me share some of the reasons why they fail.

First, like every machine, the SUV air conditioner parts need - you guessed it - lubrication. The lubricant is actually mixed in with the refrigerant (that’s the stuff that makes the air cool). Remember that even if the air conditioner is still blowing out cool air, the oil that lubricates the parts may be used up: and unlubricated parts can fail in all Illinois cars.

Now here’s a tip for Chicago motorists: Run your air conditioner every so often during Illinois winters. This circulates the lubricant to help keep the seals from drying out.

The air conditioner actually removes some of the moisture in the air. So if you have trouble with fogging on your windshield during Illinois winters or during a rain storm, running the A/C on the defrost setting should help. Now on some Chicago cars you can’t run the A/C at the same time as the defroster. Don’t ask me why, but I suspect lawyers were involved.

Also, air and water can get into the A/C system. That can reduce the efficiency of the system and also lead to corrosion that causes damage. Chicago drivers should periodically purge the system and replace the refrigerant to remove the air and water.

Loves Park drivers would be wise to learn the early warning signs of A/C trouble: 1) The air’s not as cold as it used to be. 2) Unusual noises when the A/C cycles on. Those are signs to get your vehicle into Tuffy Rockford in Loves Park before the damage gets worse.

By following the recommended service intervals in your SUV owner’s manual, you can help prevent mechanical failure of your air conditioning system. Your A/C system contains some expensive components like the compressor, condenser, dryer, etc. Anything Rockford and Cherry Valley car owners can do to lengthen the life of their A/C is well worth it.