Having trouble staying cool this summer? When your car’s AC stops working, it can make any drive feel like a chore. Finding the problem behind your car’s AC trouble can feel tricky, but there are a few key areas where you can start looking. We’ll take a look at three common car AC repairs and how you can check to see if you may need to make an appointment with your mechanic.
Recent Posts
Categories
- AAMCO Diagnostics Center
- Air Conditioning
- Blog
- Brakes
- Brakes, Tires, & Suspension
- Check Engine Light
- Colorado Automotive Advice
- Community Involvement
- Electrical
- Electrical
- Engine
- Exhaust System
- Featured Articles
- Infographic
- Maintenance
- Muffler
- Muffler & Exhaust
- news
- Oil Change
- Online Mechanic
- Radiator
- Radiator & Cooling System
- Safety
- Services
- Suspension
- Suspension System
- Total Car Care
- Transmission
- Transmissions
- Videos
Check for Debris Under the Hood of Your Car
While all the parts under your hood are pretty well protected, it’s not a sealed area. That means it’s possible for leaves, bugs, small animals, dirt, and other debris to get under there with time. If you’ve ever heard the warning to knock on your hood or honk the horn before starting your car in the winter, that’s because animals can use it as a shelter. While it’s unlikely a cat is causing your car’s AC problems, it demonstrates the point that it’s easy for debris to get in there and cause trouble.
Problems with Your Condenser and Clogs Can Mean Warm Air
More specifically, smaller debris like leaves and dirt can accumulate under the hood and around the condenser. Your car’s condenser is part of the AC system and plays a big role in cooling the air circulating through the system. Make sure that the cooling fans on your car’s condenser are working when your air conditioning is on, as well as the radiator. If those become blocked, it can keep air from being able to pass over the condenser, leading to not-cool-enough air in the cabin of your car. This is also true of your cabin air filter, so it’s a good idea to check there while you’re under the hood.
Check Your Refrigerant Levels
The key to cool air is refrigerant. And just like any other fluid in your car, leaks can form and that means you won’t have adequate fluid left in the system to do its job. Over time, you’ll need an AC recharge service or have your refrigerant replaced on a regular basis, so if your car’s AC doesn’t feel as cool as it should, it’s commonly due to refrigerant issues. To check refrigerant levels, you’ll need a recharge kit and will have to locate the low-pressure service port. If this shows refrigerant levels in the red zone, you can top it off – but be sure to check your owner’s manual for the correct type of refrigerant.
Refrigerant is Key to Cooling Air in Your Car’s AC System
Even though low refrigerant can mean your car’s air conditioning system doesn’t work as well as it should, leaks are actually normal in this case. That’s why you should schedule regular AC recharges, especially once you notice your car’s air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it should.
Going Longer and Keeping You Safe
AAMCO Colorado is here to help you with all your air conditioning problems. Count on us to help you with your issues and parts today!
Check for Leaks in the Air Conditioning System
As with many systems in your car, the AC system can get leaks over time. These can spring up in a number of places, from worn gaskets and seals to holes in the condenser. You can check the pressures in your car’s air conditioning system using a manifold gauge set. Compare the readings to the recommended pressures in your owner’s manual. If your pressure readings are off, it can signal a leak in the system.
A Mechanic Can Run an AC Check to Find any Leaks or Other AC Repairs
Whether you’re comfortable checking pressures in your AC system at home or not, the best option for this type of AC repair is to make an appointment with a trusted mechanic. Leaks can be tricky to accurately diagnose because they can spring up in a variety of places and parts. Your mechanic may use UV dye to help find where the leak is located before replacing any necessary parts.
Looking for the Right Colorado Mechanic? Come to Your Nearest AAMCO
Need an AC repair or other AC maintenance service? We make it easy. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call. We’ll help answer any questions you have about your car, complete any necessary AC service on your car, and help keep you comfortable on the road this summer.
Recent Posts from Our Blog
Protected: How to Check if Your Car Repairs are Covered by Insurance
Password Protected
To view this protected post, enter the password below:
Protected: What to Expect from a Car AC Service
Password Protected
To view this protected post, enter the password below:
Your Car’s Overheating – Now What?
It’s been a hot summer – is your car feeling it, too? It can be alarming when your car starts overheating, but if you stay calm and react appropriately, you can help avoid more major auto repairs. While there are some temporary fixes you can do yourself, it’s always...
read more
Protected: How to Check if Your Car Repairs are Covered by Insurance
Password Protected
To view this protected post, enter the password below:
Protected: What to Expect from a Car AC Service
Password Protected
To view this protected post, enter the password below:
Your Car’s Overheating – Now What?
It’s been a hot summer – is your car feeling it, too? It can be alarming when your car starts overheating, but if you stay calm and react appropriately, you can help avoid more major auto repairs. While there are some temporary fixes you can do yourself, it’s always...
read more
What to Do If Your Transmission Overheats & The Warning Signs
Car running hot? Just like your home on a hot day, your car relies on properly functioning systems to keep cool. When you notice problems with your transmission overheating, it’s time to consult a transmission expert. No necessary transmission repair is fun for car...
read more
Find Your Local AAMCO Colorado
Navigate our Blog
Recent Posts
Categories
- AAMCO Diagnostics Center
- Air Conditioning
- Blog
- Brakes
- Brakes, Tires, & Suspension
- Check Engine Light
- Colorado Automotive Advice
- Community Involvement
- Electrical
- Electrical
- Engine
- Exhaust System
- Featured Articles
- Infographic
- Maintenance
- Muffler
- Muffler & Exhaust
- news
- Oil Change
- Online Mechanic
- Radiator
- Radiator & Cooling System
- Safety
- Services
- Suspension
- Suspension System
- Total Car Care
- Transmission
- Transmissions
- Videos