Common car air conditioning problems
With the warmer months approaching, keeping cool is a priority. If you can’t remember the last time you had your air conditioning serviced, it might be time to get a performance check. Some air conditioning issues aren’t obvious, other problems can develop over time. That’s why it is important to schedule annual servicing.
Why is it important to service my car air conditioning annually?
Yearly servicing will ensure that your car’s air conditioning system is operating on a full charge of clean refrigerant which helps the vehicle perform at its best in terms of passenger comfort and long-term economy. Annual servicing also ensures that your air conditioning system is free from contaminants such as air and moisture which can result in out-of-range pressures and poor performance. If neglected for too long, you risk your vehicle’s air conditioning system corroding, potentially resulting in leaks, premature component failure and a costly repair bill.
Common car air conditioning problems
Problem: My car air conditioning isn’t blowing out as strong as it used to
Possible causes: If you turn the air conditioning to the highest setting and it still feels like it is on low, a loose hose or seal could be the culprit. These might need replacing. A faulty fan is another possible cause.
Problem: My car air conditioning works irregularly
Possible causes: If you have a problem that comes and goes, there might be a few different causes. It could be a blown fuse or a leak in one of the seals. More serious issues could be the compressor, the compressor clutch or a clog in the system.
Problem: My car air conditioning smells bad
Possible causes: Your air conditioning system dries the air in the vehicle, but that moisture must go somewhere. Water droplets form on the evaporator core in your instrument panel, then run out of a drain tube to the ground outside. The damp environment is the ideal breeding ground for mildew which can slowly build up and cause a foul smell to come out of the dash vents. A dirty cabin air filter is another potential cause of bad smells. When the cabin air filter gets clogged with dust, pollen and other allergens, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. The longer it sits, the more bacteria spreads and festers in the filter, causing a foul smell when air flows through the dirty filter.
Problem: My car air conditioning is blowing warm air
Possible causes: The most common cause of hot air coming from your car air conditioning vents is low refrigerant levels. This substance helps the system get rid of excess heat and provides the necessary element for cooling the passenger compartment. If there is insufficient refrigerant circulating in the car air conditioning system, then it will not be able to get rid of the excess heat. Hence, this heat gets blown through the air conditioning vents. If the air flow is strong but not cool, it could be caused by a leak, clogs or damaged parts. A leak is usually inexpensive to fix, however if neglected it can compromise the system and cause further damage.
Can I fix air conditioning problems myself?
There are some things you can do yourself – like treating mildew in your air conditioning system. This is as simple as spraying a mildew or mold-killing cleaner into your cabin air intake. As tempting as it might be, it is not recommended that you try to repair your vehicle’s air conditioning system without extensive knowledge. If you don’t know what the problem is, it’s best to seek the advice of an auto repair specialist.
Maximise the lifespan of your air conditioning with annual servicing
The times when you discover problems with your air conditioning should not be the only occasions you visit a mechanic. Your air conditioning system needs annual servicing to maximise its lifespan and prevent any costly damage occurring. At Prorepair Auto Care Centre, we can service and repair air conditioning systems on all makes and models.
Don’t lose your cool over your car’s air conditioning – see our team at Prorepair
If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us or visit our experienced technicians at 95 Arden Street, North Melbourne, and 109 Munster Terrace, North Melbourne. You can also send us an ">email or phone us on (03) 9326 5795 or (03) 9329 4461.
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