Ed. Note: The following is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent radio interview with Reeves Complete Auto Center.

Santa Clarita auto repair expert Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center sat down with KHTS AM-1220’s T. Katz recently to discuss vehicle air conditioning service and repair.

Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center on KHTS AM-1220.

Reeves began by debunking the myth that a vehicle’s air conditioning should be turned off when driving up steep inclines for many miles.

“That was the olden days– cars weren’t equipped as well as they are now with the cooling systems and the fans and whatnot,” he said. “Very, very rarely will you run into a problem, unless you’re driving an old car.”

While most interval maintenance is often specified for newer vehicles, Reeves does recommend having a coolant flush performed on a vehicle’s air conditioning in the case that the vehicle gets too hot.

Related: Santa Clarita Auto Repair Expert Discusses Brake Repair, Safety During El Nino

Similarly, air conditioning service is usually required when an unusual noise can be heard during its operation, a sign that could indicate an issue with a fan or blower.

If a motorist notices a difference in airflow between the vents on their vehicle, it usually is an indication of low Freon levels, a faulty actuator or something similar.

“Relatively speaking, AC usually lasts on an average car, I’d say, maybe 75-85,000 miles before you’ll actually start having a problem,” Reeves said.

When working properly, a vehicle’s air conditioning system should be able to bring the vehicle’s temperature to around 50-60 degrees below the outside ambient air temperature, according to Reeves.

“On a 100 degree day, you’re going to be able to be about 40 to 45 degrees inside your car,” he said. “That’s as cold as it’s going to get; it can’t work any harder.”

New customers at Reeves Complete Auto Center can take advantage of a complimentary preventative maintenance inspection when they bring their vehicle in for air conditioning service or repair or another form of auto repair.

The inspection takes about 20 minutes, and can help keep motorists informed of potentially dangerous vehicle issues in need of repair.

“All four wheels come off, we check the brakes, check tires, check hoses, check belts, everything, and advise the customer what we find,” Reeves said. “That is at no charge, and basically that is to make sure that your car is road worthy.”

KHTS Feature Story

Reeves Complete Auto Center is a Santa Clarita auto repair business that specializes in engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair and air conditioning service and repair. Established in the SCV in 2008, the auto repair experts at Reeves Complete Auto Center work on all makes and models, including light duty trucks and vans. Owner Dave Reeves started out in the auto industry at an early age, working primarily with race car engines. Reeves was nominated for the SCV Man of the Year award in 2014 and 2015 for his work with the SCV Rotary Club.

Reeves Complete Auto Center

26821 Ruether Ave, Unit G

Santa Clarita, CA 91351

661-252-1400