Checking for issues: Lye inspecting the air conditioner of a customer’s car. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Cranking up your car’s air conditioner on a scorching day is likely to cause more wear and tear to the system, with mechanics reporting an increase in customers needing a “cooling” fix.
Mechanic Lye Sok Oon, 56, said in the past three months, many motorists had been sending their cars for repair over this issue.
“There is a limit to what the air conditioning system of a car can do. If the roof, dashboard and seats have been exposed to the sun for a long time, it will take a while before all the heat in the cabin dissipates and (the car) cools down.
“If the air blown out is not cold, it is usually due to a shortage of refrigerant gas, known as R134a, in the air conditioning system,” he added.
Lye said it would cost about RM40 to have the gas refilled, provided there are no leaks or other breakdowns in the system.
“Other services that customers may opt for include cleaning up the air conditioner’s filter, blower and compressor to improve efficiency,” said Lye, whose workshop is in Taman Free School, Jelutong.
He added that the best way to cool off a car is by parking it under some shade.
Another mechanic, Choo Cheng Chuan, said cars tend to overheat during hot and dry weather as the coolant liquid in radiator systems may have dried up.
“Top up the reservoir for the coolant next to the radiator in the engine bay. And before embarking on a long journey, check the engine oil level using the dipstick in the engine bay to ensure it is at an adequate level to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent overheating.
“Brake pads and other belts running under the hood should also be checked. If they are worn out, the car’s braking ability and function would be affected,” said Choo, 57.
Tyre mechanic Lim Heng Kong, 46, said many customers are seeking cheaper alternatives in view of the rising cost of living.
Furthermore, he said that more tyre brands are now available in the market.
“But it may not be a wise move to go for a cheaper option as some are poorer in quality. These poorly made tyres tend to bulge under high pressure and may not grip well at high speeds on the road.”
Lim said newer cars these days are fitted with larger tyres, so the cost of maintenance and replacement would go up.
“Good tyres are now about 30% more expensive than they were about five years ago.”
Lim said drivers should always check their tyre pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found on the vehicle’s door.
“Air expands with the rise of temperature. Hot weather coupled with friction on the road can expand the tyres when in use.
“Ensuring correct pressure not only improves safety, but provides comfort and prolongs the lifespan of the tyres, protecting them from the risk of uneven wear,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon urged motorists to plan their journeys to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures outdoors.
“Motorcyclists are the ones to suffer more as they are exposed to the outdoors,” he said.
However, he added that those inside air conditioned cars could face other risks despite the “comfort” of air conditioning.
“The driver may get sleepy. Motorists need to be reminded to stay focused.
“By planning a journey to avoid the mid-day heat, safety risks caused by the heat while on the road can be reduced,” he added.
Wong said while modern vehicles are now equipped with various sensors to detect faults in cars, drivers should be wary of irregularities or noises.
“Vehicles exposed to heat beyond their design consideration may experience slight changes to their operation capabilities. And some electronics may not even work as intended.
“Always check fluids and pressured items in the vehicles as heat can cause them to expand beyond their limits,” he said.
