Every year around the same time, our phone at HOT22 Varna starts ringing nonstop: the first hot days arrive and hundreds of drivers simultaneously discover their AC isn't working. Don't be one of them. Here are 5 steps you can take in advance.
Step 1: Check Your AC Early
Don't wait until June. Turn on the AC in March or April and see if it cools normally. If the air isn't ice-cold within 2-3 minutes, something is off. It's better to visit the shop in April when there are no queues than in July when the wait can be days.
Step 2: Recharge the Refrigerant
If the AC cools but not as strongly as before, the refrigerant level has likely dropped. Normal loss is 10-15% per year. Recharging takes 30-40 minutes and is the most common service we perform. At HOT22, we recharge both R134a and R1234yf with a professional station that doses gram by gram.
Step 3: Replace the Cabin Filter
The cabin filter is a cheap component that many neglect. But a dirty filter reduces airflow by up to 40%, overworks the fan, and can cause unpleasant odors. Replacement takes literally 5 minutes. We recommend changing it at least once a year, and if you drive on dusty roads frequently, every 6 months.
Step 4: Check the Coolant
Having a similar issue? Contact us for quick diagnostics.
Antifreeze also protects the engine from overheating in summer. Check the level in the expansion tank and the color of the fluid. If it's brownish or murky instead of green/pink/blue, it's time for a change. The concentration should provide protection from -35°C to +108°C.
Step 5: Inspect Tire Pressure
This might surprise you, but tire pressure changes with temperature: for every 10°C increase, pressure rises by about 0.1 bar. Tires that were correctly inflated at 5°C may be over-inflated at 35°C. Check pressure in the morning before the car has been driven.
Bonus: Ozone Treatment After Winter
During winter, the car stays closed more, windows are rarely opened, and moisture accumulates. Spring is the ideal time for ozone treatment. You remove bacteria and odors and start the season with a clean cabin.
At HOT22, we offer a complete summer prep package: AC check, recharge, filter replacement, and ozone treatment. Come before the heat hits. The price is better and the service is faster. Call 089 338 3443 or message us on WhatsApp/Viber.
Related Services
Seasonal Maintenance
Preparing the AC system for summer or winter: full inspection and maintenance.
AC Repair & Recharge
Full diagnostics, refrigerant recharge with R134a and R1234yf, leak repair and complete AC system overhaul.
Cabin Filter Replacement
Pollen filter replacement for clean and fresh air in the cabin.
