If you have ever NOT had air conditioning in your car on a hot summer day, you know what a big difference a little cool air makes. The single best way to know if your car’s air conditioner is not functioning properly is if it isn’t able to generate an air temperature significantly less than the outside temperature.

The most common cause of air conditioner failure is a low level of refrigerant or coolant. This could be caused by a leak in the system or simply a long time since it has been filled. To check the fluid level, look for the plastic “overflow reservoir”, check the level of the fluid there as well as the level inside the radiator when the engine is cold. If the antifreeze is dirty or rusty colored it should be flushed and replaced. Regular-life antifreeze is bright green in color; the longer-life antifreeze is red. In order to be certain your system is flushed and refilled correctly; see your local auto repair center technician.

Most A/C repairs are best left to a repair shop. Recharging the refrigerant requires special equipment that most people don’t have access to. There are a couple of things that you can do, however. First make sure to have the system checked regularly according to your owner’s manual, and second, run your A/C system about 10 minutes per month, even when it’s cold outside. This might not make much sense in the colder climates, but shop technicians recommend running it because it contains a light mineral oil in the refrigerant that helps keep the compressor properly lubricated.

The best thing about air conditioning is that all you have to do is press a button to make it work. Air conditioning systems are pretty reliable as long as they are maintained properly. Be sure to ask your auto repair technician for other tips that you can be doing from home to maintain this system and avoid arriving at your destination hot and sticky.