Automotive AC System Common Problems And Solutions
Your car’s air conditioning system has a lot of working parts, which means there are a lot of things that could, and probably will, go wrong over time that why it’s important to keep on track your maintenance services.
But the good news is that several of the most common air conditioning issues can be fixed rather easily and not at a hugely significant cost to you. Remember that if you own a business, it might be wise to get your fleet’ truck under a fleet maintenance program since air conditioners all require routine maintenance.
There are many warning signs you can be on the lookout for, often subtle things that can warn you of a potential problem ahead. And several other things that you’re quite simply not going to notice until you’re past the point of no return.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common air conditioning problems you should check for and how you can often detect them and nip them in the bud.
AC common problems and solutions
There are many reasons why your car’s air conditioner stops working and some questions you may need to answer include:
Do You Hear Strange Noises When Using Your Air Conditioner?
If you hear unidentified noises coming from your car every time you turn the air conditioner on, it’s a pretty safe bet that you either have a significant issue or are about to have one.
Common causes for strange noises, at least as they relate to your car’s air conditioning system, include a soon to die compressor, the use of a wrong kind of lubricant or broken parts that could be crying out for attention.
Whatever the case may be, it’s best to have it checked out and diagnosed as soon as you’re able to do so.
Do You Detect Strange Smells When Using The Air Conditioner?
Particularly if your air conditioner hasn’t been used in a while, like on the first day each year that you use it, you may detect some foul odors filling the car.
This is usually caused by a buildup in the system after months of not being used. Things like bacteria and fungus have likely grown in the system and are responsible for that foul smell you’re noticing.
This isn’t usually anything you have to worry about as it will just go away on its own after you’ve used the air conditioner for a few minutes.
If it does persist, however, you definitely want to get it checked out as soon as you can. You don’t want to be breathing in possibly harmful contaminants and risking the health of you and your family.
Do You Notice A Moist Feeling In Your Vehicle When Using The Air Conditioner?
This is another pretty easy fix that takes care of itself.
This sensation is most commonly caused by moisture or debris that’s been trapped inside of your car’s air conditioning system, usually after not being used for a good amount of time.
This isn’t anything to really be worried about unless you notice it on a consistent basis.
Is The Air Cooling Properly When You Turn On Your Air Conditioner?
If the answer is no, there could be many reasons why your car’s air conditioner might be blowing hot air. These include low refrigerant levels, a broken or faulty condenser or issues with your compressor.
One of the major causes for this is the first one stated above and it’s caused simply by not keeping an eye on your refrigerant levels. On average, air conditioning refrigerant diminishes by 15 percent each and every year, so it wouldn’t take too many summers for you to notice a significant difference in the effectiveness of your air conditioning system.
Keep an eye on things and have a mechanic or air conditioning specialist take a look at your system as soon as you notice a problem.
If you are experiencing one or more of the issues in this article and you can’t find a solution, don’t worry! our San Antonio automotive AC repair team are always ready to help you at any time.