How often should a new car's air conditioning be cleaned?
3 Answers
Car air conditioning should generally be cleaned every six months or so. The cleaning method for car air conditioning is as follows: 1. Air conditioning duct cleaning: Before formal cleaning, shake the air conditioning cleaner well and attach the soft tube from the packaging. Then, set the air conditioning to the maximum air volume and adjust it to the external circulation mode. However, do not turn on the air conditioning compressor (the A/C button should be in the off state). Aim the well-shaken cleaner at the position of the air filter and spray it. The suction inside will draw the cleaner in, thereby cleaning the air conditioning ducts. 2. Precautions: Special attention should be paid to not placing the soft tube on the cleaner too close to the blower. After the cleaner is sprayed, the owner can let the air conditioning system run for about 10 more minutes in the external circulation mode. After turning off the engine, the cleaner will defoam and turn into a liquid, flowing out of the car through the drain after cleaning the evaporator and air ducts.
I basically don't clean the AC system for the first two years with a new car, mainly because the pipelines are quite clean when it comes from the factory. Starting from the third year, I make it a routine to clean it once every year before the season changes, especially before switching to cooling mode between spring and summer. Doing it myself is also very simple: buy a can of AC cleaner, spray it into the air intake, and let the blower run for 10 minutes to get it done. Usually, before parking, I turn off the AC in advance and just let the fan run to dry the pipes and prevent mold. I change the filter frequently, every six months to ensure clean air intake. The car dealership always urges me to clean it every three months, but for a new car, such frequency is really unnecessary. Over-maintenance can easily damage the seals. Of course, if I smell a musty odor or the cooling slows down, no matter how long it's been, I have to deal with it immediately.
I think the frequency of cleaning a new car's air conditioning system depends on the driving environment. For example, living in a humid southern city, I cleaned my car's AC system for the first time just nine months after purchase—high humidity can breed mold. Friends in northern regions might only need to clean it once every year and a half. The key is to monitor the filter condition: pull it out during each maintenance check; if it turns yellow or black, it's time for a full cleaning. Many shops now offer visual cleaning services, using an endoscope to inspect the evaporator—only cleaning if dust buildup is visible. If you often drive with the external air circulation on, consider adding a front windshield dust screen to reduce dust intake. As for cleaning frequency, my rule is to clean it if there's any odd smell; otherwise, once every two years is sufficient. Over-cleaning or frequent disassembly can actually harm the car.
