If you are cool as a cucumber when driving and have noticed that your car isn't cooling down the same way it used to, there could be an issue with the AC unit. Before you spend money on a costly repair, be sure to check out this blog for 5 common issues with your vehicle's air conditioning system.
A broken compressor makes it impossible to cool your car.
If your car's air conditioner is not working, you may think it's time to get a new compressor. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are several common reasons why your car's compressor won't blow any cold air.
A broken compressor makes it impossible to cool your car.
The most common cause: overheating from poor maintenance
A clogged condenser or low refrigerant could mean a new Freon recharge.
The condenser is the heat exchange device that removes heat from your car's engine through its radiator. The freon is a refrigerant that's used to make the motor work properly. When the freon leaks into other parts of the car, it can cause problems with air conditioning and heating systems.
If you find yourself in need of a new freon recharge, it's important to know how much this will cost you before committing to any repairs. The average cost for this type of repair ranges widely based on where you live and who performs it (from $200-$600). You should always perform regular maintenance checks on your car so that if any repairs are needed, they won't come as such a surprise!
A clogged expansion valve can cause inefficient cooling.
You can check the operation of the expansion valve by opening the hood and removing its cover. If you see a cylindrical component with two ports on top, one horizontal and one vertical, this is your expansion valve. You can test to make sure it’s working by using a water hose nozzle to spray water into each port in turn while holding a mirror or flashlight up to them so that you can observe what happens inside.
If you don’t see bubbles passing through either port after spraying water into them, it means that something is clogging up your system and stopping air flow through your compressor—and that could be an issue with your expansion valve in need of cleaning or replacement (depending on whether it has been previously maintained).
Check your cabin air filter for proper airflow.
Make sure your cabin air filter is clean. If it's dirty, replace it.
Check for damage to the cabin air filter and replace it if necessary.
Make sure the cabin air filter is sealing correctly by using a piece of tape to seal one end of the filter in place against an object (like a wall or table). Then blow through the other open end while observing if any dust blows out of the tape-sealed side of the filter. If so, you need to buy a new one that will fit properly and seal better than your old one did.
Ensure that you're using both front and rear filters when necessary; double-check which ones are needed based on whether or not you have the four-wheel-drive (as well as whether or not you have an automatic transmission).
If you are having a problem with your AC, bring it in for an inspection to ensure it is working properly.
If you are having a problem with your AC, bring it in for an inspection to ensure it is working properly.
Your technician will perform a thorough inspection of the air conditioning system. The technician will check:
The fan, compressor and condenser
Refrigerant level
The expansion valve (it controls refrigerant flow) and compressor clutch (it allows the engine to start) operation by performing an A/C system pressure test. The technician should also be able to show you how these components operate together when he or she turns on the A/C inside your vehicle. This will help you understand why some problems occur when cold air does not come out through your vents during hot weather conditions.
Keeping your car in good condition can be a challenge, especially when it comes to maintaining your automotive ac repair near you. In the warmer months of summer, it’s important to check that all is working well before driving off with family and friends. If you experience any of these issues with your AC system, we recommend bringing it in for an inspection as soon as possible. Remember that issues like these are best dealt with quickly to prevent further damage from occurring.