If your Air Conditioning (A/C) system is having trouble keeping you cool on a hot day, don’t sweat through it.

Here’s why: the A/C system cools the air by using a refrigerant – a very specific amount of refrigerant. Refrigerant keeps the compressor cool and even a small a leak could lead to a shutdown. If you’re feeling a little warm this could be an indication that your system has a leak. Deferring maintenance will likely result in damage to the compressor and eventual compressor failure.

Your truck’s A/C equipment will last a long time if it’s properly maintained. Here are a few basic maintenance practices you can do to help keep your A/C system in good operating condition:

• Perform a visual system inspection every month, checking hoses and tubes for obvious dents, oil stains and dirt indicating leakage.
• Activate the A/C system for a minimum of 5 minutes every 30 days to circulate the refrigerant system lubrication and verify condenser fans.
• Clean dirt and bugs from the condenser fin area, and straighten fins as required.