COLD FACTS ABOUT A/C REFRIGERANT

How did we ever get along without air conditioning in our cars? It's a feature we take for granted until, suddenly, it's blowing hot air.

In the past few years, many owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more depending upon the make and model of vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade named DuPont Freon, has been replaced by R-134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been standard since ’94.

If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the air conditioning system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They're not inter-changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Further, according to the Car Care Council, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you're damaging the ozone layer.

An annual inspection of the vehicle, including the air conditioning system, may help forestall costly repairs. Many automotive service shops offer AC inspection specials when warm weather arrives. Otherwise, ask your service center to evaluate your system before those hot and humid days of summer.

PROPER WASHING & WAXING ADD VALUE TO VEHICLE

More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars, products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.

"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.

Motorists should avoid dish detergent which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

• Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
  
  
  
• Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
  
  
  
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
  
  
  
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
  
  
  
• Do spray the car often with water.
  
  
  
• Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
  
  
  
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch free fabric to dry the vehicle.
  
  
  
• Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
  

"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."

"BELLS & WHISTLES" ENHANCE THE VALUE OF YOUR VEHICLE

Considering the cost of trading in your vehicle vs. investing in enhancement accessories, the latter decision may be a "no brainer."

As they make the rounds to select their new vehicle many shoppers recoil at sticker prices. With cars now averaging well above $20,000 some buyers reevaluate their needs and desires reluctantly settling for the no-frills, "plain vanilla" model.

With time, however, these same motorists may find themselves with a few extra dollars they can invest in their vehicle. Is it time to buy another car even though there still are payments to make?

The Car Care Council says instead of replacing your vehicle consider repairing and upgrading what you already have.

The accompanying list includes some of the accessories that can add new personality to your basic vehicle. Most of the products in the $24+ billion customizing/accessory industry are totally functional (SEMA 2001); some combine function with cosmetic improvement.

The cost of these components ranges from a few dollars to a few thousand. Still you could have most of them installed for much less than the price of a new vehicle. A classified phone directory or a referral from your automotive service dealer are two good ways to find your local sources.

So, if you're considering trading, crunch the numbers first. You might find you'd be just as happy, and many dollars richer, with a few selected enhancements.

Vehicle Personality Enhancement List

• Air dams and spoilers
  
  
  
• Anti-theft devices
  
  
  
• Bug deflectors
  
  
  
• Camper caps
  
  
  
• Car phones
  
  
  
• Carrier racks
  
  
  
• Custom seats
  
  
  
• Custom wheels
  
  
  
• Grille guards
  
  
  
• Instrumentation
  
  
  
• Keyless entry systems
  
  
  
• Neon trim lighting
  
  
  
• Personal breath alcohol testers
  
  
  
• Pick-up bed mats
  
  
  
• Pick-up box tonneau covers
  
  
  
• RV and towing accessories
  
  
  
• Radar Detectors
  
  
  
• Remote engine starting systems
  
  
  
• Running boards
  
  
  
• Special shock absorbers
  
  
  
• Stereo systems
  
  
  
• Striping and/or decals
  
  
  
• Sun roofs
  
  
  
• Vehicle navigation systems
  
  
  
• Wheels & tires
  
  
  
• Window tinting