Posted June 20, 2014 by Ali's Woodinville
Now that summer is here in the Northwest, we thought we’d talk a little about your vehicle’s air conditioning and what can be done to service or repair it.
We love our climate-controlled vehicles, don’t we? But what happens when the system isn’t keeping you cool anymore? Something has to be done. Quite simply, the main sign of a problem with your car air conditioning system is that it no longer keeps your car cool enough. In some cases, the system may not blow any colder than it does on vent mode. But you may also need a repair if it’s running too loud or any funny smells are coming from the A/C vents. Not cooling enough is the main sign, but not the only one to watch for.
Can You Fix It Yourself?
If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, then yes, there are steps you can take to fix a lack of cooling. In most cases, though, it will take a novice much longer to solve the problem. It’s better to find a good shop that actually handles this type of work. Not every auto shop is prepared to handle these issues and diagnose what’s really going on. Our shop has the equipment to run diagnostics and pinpoint the problem.
Low Refrigerant
So, what could be wrong? Over time, cars may need a recharge of refrigerant. Cars built from the mid-1990s on use a refrigerant called R-134a, many of the newest models use R-1234yf, and older vehicles used R-12, also known as Freon (handling R-12 requires special certification). You can’t simply assume low refrigerant is the issue, though. Refrigerant doesn’t get used up like fuel, so if it’s low, it went somewhere, and you could be dealing with a faulty system.
Check for Leaks First
On a newer car, it’s likely not as simple as adding refrigerant. In every case, you should make sure you haven’t lost your refrigerant through a leak in the system. Checking for leaks isn’t an easy process, but it has to be done first, before adding refrigerant. A professional will be much more qualified and much more precise at finding the source of the leak. This is a bit of a complicated job for an individual to take on.
Failed Components
Lastly, like any other part of your car, A/C components can fail or break. Your air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. Any of these could be the reason you aren’t keeping cool or are hearing a loud noise. There’s no easy way to pinpoint these issues on your own.
Your A/C Works All Year
Your A/C isn’t just for summer, either. In our rainy months, the defroster uses the A/C compressor to pull moisture out of the air, which is why a weak system can leave you with windows that fog up and won’t clear. If your windshield is slow to clear in the fall and winter, that’s another reason to have the A/C checked.
Bring It to a Pro
Ali’s Woodinville Auto Repair recommends bringing your vehicle to a professional who routinely handles automobile air conditioning issues. If you have no plans to fix it yourself, feel free to learn how the system works (so you know what a good shop should be doing), but don’t hesitate to get your car to a pro. You should be comfortable in your car. You should be able to keep yourself, your family and all your passengers enjoying the summer sun without getting too hot. Let us (or your local shop, if you don’t live near Woodinville, WA) help you stay cool. Bothell drivers can find more on our Bothell car A/C repair page.
Call 425-420-1630 or request an appointment for an A/C check.
