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 20-30 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 isn't just for winter — it protects the engine from overheating in summer too. 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 book online.
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.
