It is miserable to travel without AC in the scorching heat. If you are experiencing low cooling than usual, it indicates a malfunctioning compressor. Similarly, there could be other AC problems.
Frequent maintenance of the car with all its components, including Air Conditioning, should be done diligently. A complete car air conditioning servicing is essential at least once a year to augment its cooling efficiency.
Here, we will detail the signs, causes, and preventive measures to keep your car AC operating smoothly and efficaciously.
Bad car air conditioner: Signs
If you have a bad AC, then these are the signs you will notice:
Low cooling: The first thing you will observe is low cooling.
Bad odour: When the AC doesn’t work well, you will get a foul and stale smell in the car.
Hot Air: AC does not pass cold air; instead, you get hot air. Hot air means that the AC compressor has failed. It may also be a sign of low refrigerant level.
Weird Sound: You might hear some odd sounds when you turn on the car’s air conditioner. It may produce a grinding or whining sound upon activation. These sounds happen when the internal components like bearings go wrong.
Bad car air conditioner: Causes
The most common causes of bad AC are:
Clutch getting stuck
The AC compressor is installed with a clutch, connecting the engine to power. Sometimes the AC compressor clutch gets stuck, and the compressor stops working in the absence of power. If the clutch seizes, the compressor will have to be replaced.
Damaged bearing
Your car’s AC compressor has bearings. The bearings prevent the refrigerant from leaking out. When the bearing is cut or damaged, it may start leaking from the refrigerant. The compressor functions to create pressure on the refrigerant to cool down. The bearings go bad due to the constant pressurized environment.
Refrigerant leak
One of the most prevalent reasons that do not allow the car’s air conditioner to work well is refrigerant leaking. The leaking can occur due to several reasons. It can result from failing rubber seals and hoses, which allow the refrigerant to pass through.
When the moisture gets into the car’s cooling system and gets combined with the refrigerant, it can also leak the fluids. Since water combines with Freon, it creates an acidic mixture that is toxic for AC and rusts.
Broken AC fans
There are cooling fans in the car to circulate the refrigerated air. If the fans are broken, there will be no air passing through the vents, and there will be no cooling. Due to the blown fuses also the car AC doesn’t work. It is an easy repair that your car ac specialist can do swiftly.
Compressor malfunctioning
The most crucial air conditioner component, the compressor, is responsible for airflow. The refrigerant doesn’t work when the compressor isn’t. The compressor’s clutch may be jammed or get stuck in the off position, not allowing the AC to cool.
Condenser problem
The condenser releases pressure and cools the air. A failing condenser does not make the air cool.
Electrical problem
Electrical problems such as failed switches, a blown fuse, control module issues can cause the air conditioner to stop working.
Bad car air conditioner: Preventive measures
The good part is that you can avoid AC malfunctioning by using preventive measures. The best tips for you are:
Regular car inspections and car AC check: The mechanics monitor cabin temperature and determine its effectiveness when you go for car air conditioning service. They check the refrigerant using a pressure gauge.
Other AC components are checked using various equipment. They determine if there is a leak due to a faulty seal or bearing. These measures are imperative to ensure that the AC works well round the year. Do get the AC inspected and serviced at least once a year.
Change the filter: You need to change the cabin filter and clean the dirt regularly. Often, the filter gets clogged due to dust and dirt. A clogged AC filter can affect cooling. So, take the filter out and clean it regularly.
Use AC every day: Turn on the AC for at least 10 minutes every week. It will keep the vents functioning well always.
Check the refrigerant: Always ask your mechanic to check the refrigerant and refill if needed. A low refrigerant level can affect AC performance.
What is included in a general car AC service?
An auto repair shop AC service includes the diagnosis and repair of the following components:
Compressor check
A compressor is the main component of AC. It is like a pump that pressurizes the refrigerant, later converted to an evaporator. It also empowers the power steering and the water pump. Most likely, if there is an issue of cooling, the compressor would have gone wrong.
Expansion Valve check
This component works with the evaporator. It works to control AC refrigerant pressure.
Accumulator inspection
It is present in the dryer unit. It eliminates moisture from the AC and the cabin. Best car services Adelaide inspects the same deeply.
Refrigerant check
The refrigerant is a liquid present in the coils of a car AC system. It functions in the AC cooling process. R134-a or Tetrafluoroethane is the most common refrigerant in the car AC. Your Auto care shop will check this.
Condenser inspection
A coil mesh is arranged in a zigzag pattern to reduce heat from the compressed gas. A condenser is a heat exchanger that transforms the refrigerant from gas to liquid state and then cools it.
Evaporator functioning
An evaporator is just the opposite of a condenser. It makes the liquid restore to gas. It spreads the heat and allows cooling to happen. The evaporator is present in the vehicle, usually under the dashboard.
Conclusion
The car ac repair service checks all the above components in an AC service. To avoid such car AC breakdowns, ensure regular checkups.
