The Ins and Out of Your Car’s AC

At Sorrento Mesa Auto Spa, we don’t just know how to detail a car, we know all about the ins and out of your car—including your air conditioner. Summer might be almost over for most of the country, but San Diego is poised to enjoy warmer weather for the next few months—which is why it is important for your air conditioner to be working!

Frist thing’s first, you’ll want to understand the major components of a car’s air conditioning system:

·         The compressor compresses and circulates the refrigerant in the system.

·         The refrigerant carries the heat.

·         The condenser changes the phase of the refrigerant from gas to liquid, expelling head removed from the car.

·         The expansion valve works simultaneously to lower the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, meter its flow and atomize it.

·         The evaporator transfers heat to the refrigerant from the air blown across it, thus cooling your car.

·         The receiver/dryer functions as a filter for the refrigerant/oil by removing moisture and other pollutants.

Bring a coupon and stop by for a car wash or detailing today!

{Photo Credit: Alan D}

Why Idling Your Car Can Hurt Your Engine

{How much time do you waste at stop lights?}

If you’re in Sorrento Mesa, visit us for auto repair! We aren’t known as the best of the best in local auto detailing for nothing, we also have tips to keep your car engine healthy.

Did you know that one of the most harmful things you can do for your engine is to idle your car? For every two minutes a car spends idling, it uses around the same amount of fuel it takes to go about one mile. The average person idles their car 5 to 10 minutes per day—and that amount grows during the wintertime. There is no need to “warm up” your car; all you have to do is drive it!

As a rule of thumb, if you are going to be parked for over 30 seconds, turn off your car’s engine. Excessive idling can damage engine components like cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust systems. Because an engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, fuel is actually only partially combusted when idling—which can lead to build up of fuel residues on the walls of your cylinders, damage engine components and increase fuel consumption.

Many people incorrectly assume that shutting off and subsequently restarting your engine will use more gas, but frequent restarting has little impact on the engine’s components, like the battery and starter motor.

Save at the Pump!

You might visit Sorrento Mesa Auto Spa for car wash and detailing, but we also have tips for saving gas. Everyone wants to save at the pump, so follow our tips to maximizing mileage:

·         Be mindful of your tank. Stop pumping when the automatic nozzle clicks, as additional gas will spill out or evaporate. Also, be sure to tighten your gas cap. Gas can evaporate if your cap is loose, damaged or missing.

·         Use lower octane gasoline. Premium gasoline doesn’t generally improve your car’s performance or economy so unless your car’s manual states premium is required, don’t waste the money.

·         Park in a garage when possible. Warm weather affects gas mileage by increasing evaporation levels so try to park in a garage or shady area and consider investing in a windshield shade.

·         For optimum performance, get regularly scheduled maintenance. Use the right type of oil and make sure to check your air filter every time you get an oil change. When it is clogged, your engine has to work harder, thus decreasing fuel efficiency.

We know you want to save by getting a cheap car wash, which is why we provide daily coupons! So come visit us!

{Photo Credit: Barbara Hansen}