What To Do When Your Car’s Air Conditioning Stops Working

When your car’s air conditioning isn’t functioning properly, driving can be quite uncomfortable, when you’re baking on a 100-degree day without air conditioning. You need a functional air conditioning system for your car. Prior to talking to a mechanic about your air conditioning system and knowing your options, it’s wise to have some understanding of your system.

Signs Of A Broken Air Conditioning 

A properly functioning air conditioner should be able to cool the vehicle’s air by at least 40 degrees when the fan is running full blast. A malfunctioning air conditioner is likely to be the cause of a lack of cold air coming from your car’s dashboard vents. If the system is broken, the airflow may fluctuate from hot air to warm air to cool air, then back to hot air. The air conditioning system in your car works by circulating liquid refrigerant, and the system can leak. If your windshield is oddly fogged up, or if there are damp spots on the floor, the air conditioning system may be to blame.  You may also notice a clattering noise or squealing belt under the hood when you turn on or off the AC. Although cold air is still being produced, this noise could indicate a problem with the compressor.

What To Do

Don’t take the risk of performing your own air conditioning service to save money and time. A vehicle’s air conditioner must be serviced according to environmental regulations and requires specialized equipment. Some auto parts stores sell DIY recharge kits that may be helpful in the short-term, but improper use or diagnosis may cause further damage to the system and a more expensive air conditioning repair in the future. For repairs on your A/C system, you should work with a certified mechanic. Below are some issues that may be causing your air conditioner to malfunction.

Air Conditioning Recharge

In the event that your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, an experienced technician at Express Auto Repair will add the liquid and use a special sensor to check for leaks. An air conditioning system check and recharge may only cost around $100 if there are no leaks. It is generally not necessary to recharge air conditioning systems frequently, so if your mechanic has to recharge your AC on a regular basis, there is usually a larger underlying problem.

Air Conditioning Leak

In the event of a leak, the leaking component needs to be replaced. Various components of the air conditioning system are located throughout the car, and their complexity varies. Access to these various components can impact repair costs significantly. Some vehicles may be harder to work on and take longer to work on.

Air Conditioning Compressor

Whenever your air conditioning compressor malfunctions, the entire air conditioning system may be contaminated with rust or metal particles. A mechanic will have to flush out the contamination, which can be expensive. By having your vehicle’s air conditioning serviced at the first sign of trouble, you can prevent this from occurring. Removing the compressor and flushing the system can cost upwards of $1,000.

Schedule Service

While it is safe to drive your vehicle if your air conditioning isn’t working in the short term, you don’t want to leave it that way indefinitely, as that could make the repair more complicated and expensive. The air conditioning system keeps you cool and is an essential part of your driving experience. Make sure your AC is performing at its best and take care of any signs of trouble to save money in the long run.

Our certified experts at Express Auto Repair can do a thorough inspection and get you back on the road with a cool breeze just in time for summer!