Subaru technician warns about air conditioning check you should do in your car before summer – drivers even risk damaging the engine without it

A SUBARU service manager has urged drivers to carry out vital cooling checks on their cars before the summer – or risk serious damage.

Dustin Piggott warns that it is crucial that a vehicle’s air conditioning is working and emphasizes that leaks in a car’s refrigeration system can be particularly harmful.

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The former coach, who works at Central Oregon’s Subaru da Curvarecommends checking systems in the spring before temperatures get too high.

If ignored, drivers could face thousands of repairs.

“We often recommend having your air conditioning system checked before it heats up,” Piggott told The US Sun in an exclusive interview.

“As the weather gets warmer, many customers come in stating that their air conditioning isn’t working properly, which wouldn’t be a fun problem to have on a 90-degree day.”

During winter, the vehicle’s air conditioning system is used to defrost the windshield and, in some cases, the side mirrors and rear window.

Over time, however, the system can wear out, and drivers only realize it when it is too late.

The air conditioning system, which keeps the car’s interior cool and comfortable, isn’t the only component that drivers need to be aware of.

According to Piggott, what keeps the engine cool is also often neglected.

“As the summer months approach and the weather becomes warmer, it is very important to ensure that the vehicle’s cooling system is working properly and that there are no leaks,” said the expert.

If drivers aren’t proactive enough to fix the leaks, Piggott warns that a much more expensive solution could be in the future.

“If a coolant leak is present and left unaddressed, it can lead to many other problems, even causing engine damage from overheating,” he said.

If the engine block becomes too hot, the block and cylinders may be damaged or deformed due to the high heat.

If a cylinder becomes warped, it can alter the extremely precise and delicate detonation cycle in the cylinder, resulting in engine knocking.

Over time, a knock will damage other components such as the intake and exhaust valves and the top of the piston, causing compression and power problems.

The least expensive way to keep your car running in the spring is to get it checked out and make sure it needs maintenance.

Dustin Piggott, Service Manager

Overheating can also affect important seals and gaskets, as some gaskets can melt and cause leaks.

In other cases, overheating can cause the coolant to boil, which can burst hoses or even explode.

Fortunately, there is an inexpensive way to avoid these problems if the driver is not mechanically inclined.

“The least expensive way to keep your car running in the spring is to get it checked out and make sure it needs maintenance,” Piggott said.

Piggott was previously a technician who owned a body shop before taking a management position at Subaru’s Bend dealership.

He says that in Bend, summers are hot and dry and winters are cold and icy, exposing cars to extremes that customers aren’t prepared to deal with — especially during peak tourist season.

Every year, as temperatures rise, many customers come to the service center looking for common summer-related repairs.

At Subaru of Bend, an inspection costs $208, and while the exact cost varies depending on the dealership location and manufacturer, there is a lot that comes with the cost.

Expert Advice on Preparing Your Car for Summer

Dustin Piggot, a service manager at a Subaru dealership with years of technical experience, told The US Sun in an exclusive interview what items drivers should have checked before temperatures soared:

1. Perform a multipoint inspection. A paid inspection will ask a technician to check vital systems like your brakes, power steering, and front and rear suspension for leaks or defects. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
2. Refrigeration system. Before things get hot, drivers should have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, evaluate radiator hoses, and check the radiator.
3. Check your air conditioning system. If the freon is low and needs to be charged or parts need to be replaced, it is essential to resolve the problem before the temperature rises.
4. Make sure your tires are suitable for warmer climates. If you live in a climate that requires a dedicated winter tire, switch to all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of your winter tire. Winter tires are softer and wear out much more quickly in warmer climates.
5. Observe the depth of the tread. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
6. Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to remove winter grime and grime and treat its paintwork with a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.

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An inspection will have a service technician check the air conditioning system and engine drive belts, air filters, battery efficiency, radiator hoses, and tires.

Important systems such as cooling, heating, braking and power steering are inspected for leaks or malfunctions.

Fluid levels in general would be checked to ensure they are also at the correct levels, viscosity, and color.

Suspension components are also checked to ensure that all rubber parts are not cracked and are pliable.