What Happens During a Professional Car A/C Service? Behind the Scenes at Express Auto Repair

June 2025

Ever wonder what really goes on during a professional car A/C service?

If your idea of an A/C check is someone popping the hood and adding a little refrigerant, you’re not alone, but that only scratches the surface. At Express Auto Repair in Colorado Springs, a full vehicle A/C service is a detailed, multi-step process designed to ensure your comfort, safety, and long-term system health.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what happens behind the scenes, from diagnostics to system recharge, and why choosing a shop that does it right makes all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at the auto A/C inspection process, the tools we use, and why Colorado Springs drivers trust Express for honest, expert service.

Why Professional A/C Service Matters in Colorado Springs

With Colorado Springs’ high-altitude conditions, dry air, and wide temperature swings, your vehicle’s air conditioning system is under constant stress. Unlike coastal or low-altitude environments, cars here work harder to maintain interior comfort, especially during the summer months.

These environmental factors reduce refrigerant efficiency and accelerate wear on critical components like seals, hoses, and compressors. Left unchecked, minor issues can quickly escalate into major repairs that leave you stranded, or at least uncomfortable when temperatures rise.

That’s why a professional car A/C service is more than routine maintenance. It’s an essential service that:

Prevents costly breakdowns
Extends system lifespan
Improves fuel efficiency
Maintains consistent cabin comfort

At Express Auto Repair, we don’t wait for things to break. We help you get ahead of them with detailed inspections, accurate diagnostics, and same-day service, all tailored to Colorado Springs driving conditions.

Inside a Professional A/C Inspection: Step-by-Step

A proper vehicle A/C service isn’t one-size-fits-all. It involves multiple steps that work together to assess and correct the performance of your entire cooling system. At Express Auto Repair, we take a comprehensive, no-guesswork approach to every A/C inspection.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation & Customer Feedback

Every visit begins with a conversation. We ask about your A/C symptoms. Is it blowing warm air? Does it take a while to cool down? Are there odd smells or noises? We take detailed notes. Your observations are valuable clues that help us zero in on potential system faults.

This step helps us tailor our inspection based on your experience, saving time and ensuring we investigate the right components from the start.

2. Visual Inspection of A/C Components

Once the vehicle is in the bay, we perform a visual check of all accessible components, including:

Compressor
Condenser
Evaporator
Refrigerant lines and fittings
Drive belts, fans, and pulleys

We’re looking for cracks, leaks, corrosion, and damage that may affect system performance. Colorado’s dry air causes rubber seals and hoses to dry out and fail more quickly, so this step is especially important for local drivers.

3. Pressure Testing & Refrigerant Level Check

Next, we connect high- and low-side pressure gauges to measure your system’s operating pressures. This tells us whether the refrigerant level is correct and whether the compressor is functioning properly.

We also assess:

Static pressure before starting the car
Running pressures under full A/C load
Whether the system is charged to manufacturer-specified refrigerant volume

This stage reveals deeper issues like slow leaks or over-pressurization that can harm your A/C over time. Whether your car uses R-134a or R-1234yf, we’re equipped with EPA-certified tools to get the job done right.

4. Temperature Performance Test

Cooling effectiveness isn’t just about pressure, it’s about results. We use digital thermometers to measure vent air temperature with the A/C running at full capacity.

If it doesn’t meet cooling expectations, we investigate further. This test confirms whether the system is operating within manufacturer specifications and helps identify thermal or airflow issues.

This step ensures you leave with an A/C system that’s not just “working”, but working optimally.

5. Compressor, Fan & Electrical System Inspection

A lot can go wrong beneath the surface of an A/C system. That’s why we also inspect the compressor clutch operation, radiator and condenser fans, and supporting electrical systems.

We check:

Relay functionality
Fuse condition
Wire integrity
System cycling and clutch engagement

These are critical components that often get overlooked in basic inspections. At Express Auto Repair, our digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) include photo and video documentation so you can see exactly what we find and why we recommend certain repairs or services.

Tools & Technology We Use at Express Auto Repair

Diagnosing a modern vehicle’s air conditioning system requires more than a basic recharge kit. Our technicians use advanced tools that let us pinpoint exact system failures and prevent future issues.

Our diagnostic equipment includes:

Refrigerant recovery/recharge machines (for both R-134a and R-1234yf)
UV dye leak detection kits
High/low side pressure gauges
Infrared thermometers and thermal imaging tools
OEM scan tools for reading fault codes related to A/C control systems

Our technicians are trained to read the data, not just the symptoms, ensuring your vehicle gets exactly the service it needs.

The Recharge Process: What It Involves

An A/C recharge isn’t just about topping off refrigerant. Here’s how we handle an AC recharge in Colorado Springs the right way:

Recover any existing refrigerant safely
Vacuum test the system to check for moisture or air pockets
Recharge with the correct amount of refrigerant by weight
Test again to verify cooling performance and pressure balance

Incorrect recharge is one of the most common DIY mistakes. Too much refrigerant can damage the system, while too little leaves it underpowered.

A Quick Guide to Modern A/C Refrigerants

Modern vehicles increasingly use R-1234yf, a low-global-warming-potential refrigerant that requires specific recovery and recharge tools.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	R-134a	R-1234yf
Vehicles Used In	Most cars before 2015	Most cars from 2015 and up
Environmental Impact	Higher	Lower (GWP of 1 vs. 1300+)
Service Compatibility	Widely supported	Requires specialized equipment
Cost	Lower	Higher

At Express Auto Repair, we’re fully equipped and certified to work with both refrigerants, so no matter what you drive, you’re covered.

A/C Service Intervals That Work for Colorado Springs Roads

Because of our region’s unique conditions, we recommend a full A/C inspection at least once a year, preferably in the spring.

Consider service sooner if you notice:

Warm air from vents
Weak airflow
Unusual smells or sounds
Your last recharge was over 12 months ago

Frequent short trips, mountain driving, and wide seasonal temperature swings all place extra strain on your system. Preventive care goes a long way toward extending your A/C’s lifespan.

Expert, Transparent, Local. The Express Auto Repair Standard

Plenty of shops offer A/C services, but here’s what makes ours different:

Certified for both R-134a and R-1234yf refrigerants
Same-day appointments are available in most cases
Digital vehicle inspections with photos and video sent directly to your phone
Financing options through Snap, Koalifi, Dignifi, and Napa Easy Pay
Backed by the NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind® Warranty (36 months / 36,000 miles nationwide)
Friendly, certified, non-commissioned staff focused on transparency and trust

You can learn more or schedule your service by visiting our Auto Air Conditioning Repair page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car A/C Service

Can a weak A/C affect fuel economy?

Yes. When your A/C system isn’t working efficiently, such as when the compressor is under strain or refrigerant levels are low, it can increase engine load and reduce fuel economy, especially in city driving conditions.

Is it bad to run the A/C if it’s not cooling properly?

Continuing to run an underperforming system can cause more damage. For example, a failing compressor clutch may overheat, or low refrigerant could cause internal parts to seize. It’s best to get the system inspected as soon as you notice any drop in cooling performance.

Does A/C service include cabin air filter replacement?

Not always, but it’s commonly recommended during A/C service if airflow is weak or if there’s a musty odor. A clogged cabin filter can restrict airflow and make your A/C system work harder than it should.

Can I drive without fixing a minor A/C issue?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Small issues, like refrigerant loss or electrical glitches, tend to worsen over time and often lead to costlier repairs. Catching them early during a service prevents breakdowns and ensures better system health.

Schedule Your A/C Service Today in Colorado Springs

At Express Auto Repair, we believe great A/C service means more than just cold air. It means you understand what was done, why it was needed, and how it protects your vehicle long term. From in-depth inspections to accurate recharges and honest diagnostics, we deliver results that last.

We proudly serve drivers at both of our Colorado Springs locations:

Montebello Ln: 5360 Montebello Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 | (719) 358-9109
Galley Rd: 3655 Galley Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | (719) 630-8729

Take the next step toward a cooler, more confident ride. Book your A/C appointment here.