No one likes getting into a sweltering car, but it’s such a relief to turn on your AC and feel that cool air kick in. Until the day it doesn’t.
You probably know what to expect from your car’s air conditioning output. If your car doesn’t provide the level of cooling it usually does, it could indicate a problem with the AC system. In some cases, the difference in cooling may be slight. For example, you may feel like the airflow isn’t quite as powerful as usual. In other instances, the change may be more dramatic. You may notice the air being pushed from the vents is very faint, or the air conditioning may be sending warm air or no air to the cabin.
Several factors can cause diminished airflow:
Mold or mildew build up, preventing air from reaching the vents
Loose hose
Fried ventilation fan
Automotive air conditioning systems, when functioning properly, are designed to do so with minimal noise. If you notice your A/C system is louder or is making unusual noises while running, it could be an indication that something needs to be addressed.
Your car’s air conditioning system relies heavily on the compressor, which pressurizes the system and ensures proper refrigerant flow. The compressor utilizes a pulley bearing. If this bearing is worn out, your air conditioning will make a squealing or grinding sound. This problem often can be fixed by replacing the bearing.
Your car’s compressor also uses a clutch, and this component suffers lots of wear and tear over time. If your compressor’s clutch is worn out, you’ll hear a rattling sound. In cases like this, it may be possible to solve the problem by installing a new clutch. But sometimes the entire compressor will need to be replaced.
Does the air coming out of your car’s vents smell like a locker game after a high school football game? Certain issues can cause your car’s air conditioning to pump rancid air into the cabin. An aged or filthy cabin filter can trigger this problem. Funky odors also can be caused by mold that has accumulated on the air conditioning system’s evaporator case.
Air conditioning systems are designed to drain water from the bottom of the car. Sometimes the drains that facilitate this process become blocked. In cases like this, water can back up and gather within the vehicle.
An air conditioning system with a blocked drain can cause water to pool under your car’s front floor mats or beneath the dash. Water stains or pooled water in these areas may indicate your vehicle’s air conditioning needs professional attention.
The worst time to find out that your Car’s air conditioning needs repair is during a 100-degree heatwave. Metric Motors will have your vehicles A/C blowing ice cold air in no time. One of the main reasons that your ac “loses its charge” is that over time, your AC refrigerant levels can become low, losing their ability to blow sufficient cold air.
At Metric Motors, we check your vehicle’s AC fluid level and replenish it to the correct levels. This is our first line of defense in maintaining your air conditioning system. This service also helps prevent condenser and/or compressor failure, which can turn into a much costlier AC repair. Mold and mildew that grow inside the dark, damp evaporator of the air conditioning system can decrease the quality of air circulating in your vehicle. It’s our job to remove these contaminants and make sure that the cold air blowing throughout your car is as clean and enjoyable as possible.
