Considering that you never know the difference between stepping into your car on a hot summer day with the expectation of getting a breath of fresh air and actually getting hot, stale air gusts has already made you aware of the importance of having a working air conditioning (A/C) system. This is more than comfort, the A/C system of your car is essential to safety and general health of the vehicle. Such is the reason why neglecting of the minor symptoms may incur big problems (and expenses) in the future.
A driver sitting in the car on a hot sunny day with no A/C working.
Today we are going to show you the 7 most popular symptoms indicating that your cars A/C system is defective and what you can do to prevent sweating it out in the car.
- Limited or No Airflow
Are the A/C vent flows barely churning out air, or at best, no air at all? In that case, you might be having a clogged cabin filter, damaged or failed blower motor or perhaps blocked vents. However, in many cases, poor airflow is causing a warning sign of more serious problems such as mould growth in the evaporator or a dead fan motor.
So, the first thing you need to do is review the cabin air filter. In the event that it is clean, a professional will be required to add a check on the internal system components or the blower motor.
- Hot Air in place of Cold
That is normally the initial and most apparent indication of a problem. When your A/C blows out warm or lukewarm air, then something is definitely wrong. It may be:
- Low levels of refrigerants
- Refrigerant leakage
- Defective compressor
- Broken condenser
You should not simply replenish the refrigerant. A certified mechanic is supposed to perform a leak test, look at system pressures as well as compressor performance to be sure that there was no long-time damage.
- Strange Sounds as A/C is Running
Do you distinctly hear some rattling, grating or clacking as your A/C lets in? That would include:
- The fan had debris trapped in it.
- Failed A/C compressor
- Bent interior gears
- Weird sounds show that your vehicle is crying out.
Failure to address them may lead to complete breakdown of the whole A/C.
Therefore, it is time to have your system checked. Just a bit fix such as cleaning debris could save you your compressor which is costly to acquire.
- Bad Smells or Stench
A healthy A/C system is not supposed to give bad smell. When you switch on your A/C and a musty moldy or sour aroma of some sort comes out; then chances are:
- The excess deposits of mold or mildew in the evaporator
- A blocked drain tube
- Contaminated cabin air filter
This is not only unpleasant, but it might even be a threat to health, in particular to people with allergies or asthma attacks.
For that, cleaning the system, replacing filters and clearing out the drain line ensures quality of air in a system improves and the performance returns.
- Water Leaks or Spot inside Cabin
Spotting wet carpets in the passenger seats or puddles in your dash? The A /C evaporator drain could be clogged. This will ensure that condensed moisture will not come out of the vehicle making the vehicle overflow.
It is recommended to treat it as soon as possible to prevent mould and electrical damage. The solution to the problem can be as easy as just cleaning a drain tube to avoid even bigger troubles.
- Compressor Clutch Fail to Engage
You ought to hear a light click when you switch the A/C on and the compressor clutch engages. When there is no click and no cool air then maybe you have failed in clutch- or the compressor itself is shot.
You will require the services of a technician to identify the problem with the clutch, electrical wiring or the compressor. It is more of an expert repair and so do not attempt it.
- Regular Turn ON and Turn Off
Does your air conditioner switch on and off at a very short interval? This tendency (which is known to be called short cycling) might be triggered by:
- Low levels of refrigerants
- Bad pressure switches
- Dirty condenser coils or evaporator coils
The problem with short cycling is that it burns out your compressor and this can end up costing you big bucks.
So, you must request a professional diagnosis. Refilling a fridge in the old way is akin to taping on a broken bone.
The importance of Timely A/C Repairs
The A/C on your car is not all about keeping cool; it:
- Removes fog on the windshield enabling clear visibility during humid weather.
- Holds plus retains the interior air quality as well as removes allergens.
- Avoids damages to other car systems that are associated with temperature and electronics
Neglecting minor A/C problems today will cost you hundreds and even thousands in replacement of the entire system. Timeliness makes you safer, more comfortable and financially better off.
Keep Calm and Drive Safely
The A/C system of your car is complicated and even the slightest indicators are not worth ignoring. Weak airflow, unpleasant odors or the inability to get some cold air at all are all sure signs that your A/C is in need of repair and subsequent inspection as quickly as possible.
When the car becomes an oven do not wait until the summer. Advance abatement and preventive forecast will keep you cool, cleaner air to breathe and not pay hefty repair expenses.
FAQs
- How frequently can I get my air conditioner of the car serviced?
Ideally this should be done once every year as soon as the summer sets in. The normal inspections identify leaks of the refrigerant, assess the parts, and enhance the performance.
- Is it possible to recharge A/C in my car myself?
There is such a thing as DIY kits, but they are only temporary solutions to the problem of low refrigerants. They are not scenester leaks or troubleshoot problems. It would be less dangerous yet more effective when left to a technician.
- What is the reason why my car A/C stinks?
Bad odors are a warming sign of growth of mold or bacteria in the evaporator or duct work. It may also be because of a filthy cabin filter.
- What is the cost of repairing car A/C?
Repairs costing less than 200 dollars include minor jobs (such as refrigerant recharge or a filter change). However, bigger repairs, such as those involving a compressor replacement may cost between 800 1,500 dollars depending on your car.
- Can I drive with a broken A/C?
On the mechanical side, yes. It is not perfect, though it becomes worse when it affects visibility (defogging), air quality in the interior or causes one discomfort when driving
