- Bear Car Care
Signs Your Car’s Air Conditioner Needs Service
Your car’s air conditioner is a vital part of keeping you cool and comfortable on hot days. In theory it is a sealed system and should run for well over a decade without needing service. However, like any system, it is exposed to real-world conditions. Electrical parts fail, mechanical parts stop working, and seals break down. Here are some signs that your car’s air conditioner may need service:
- Lack of cold air: If the air coming out of your vents is warm or lukewarm, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is not working properly.
- Loud noises: If you hear strange noises coming from your air conditioner, such as squealing, humming, or banging, it could be a sign of a problem.
- Leaks: If you see any signs of leakage, such as wetness around the air conditioning unit or under your car, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional.
- Unpleasant odor: If you notice a strange odor coming from your air conditioner, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your car’s air conditioner serviced by a professional as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious problems down the road, such as a complete breakdown of the air conditioning system.
Why It’s Important to Have Your Car’s Air Conditioner Serviced by a Professional
There are a few reasons why it’s important to have your car’s air conditioner serviced by a professional. First, a professional will have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and repair any problems with your air conditioner. Second, a professional will use the correct tools and equipment to service your air conditioner properly. Third, a professional will be able to provide you with a warranty on their work.
Modern automotive air conditioning systems are designed to be as efficient as possible. This means that the minimum amount of refrigerant possible is pressurized very precisely traveling through extremely narrow passageways. It is important that exactly the correct amount of refrigerant and lubricant is in the system at all times.
If you try to service your car’s air conditioner yourself, you run the risk of making the problem worse. You may also void the warranty on your air conditioner if you try to service it yourself. Over-the-counter products do allow for precise measurements of refrigerant. They also usually contain stop-leak. Over or under charging the system and restricting flow will cause the compressor to work harder and drastically increases the likelihood of major system failures.
The cost of having your car’s air conditioner serviced by a professional will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the problem. However, in most cases, the cost of service is much less than the cost of replacing your air conditioner.
Additionally, a professional will be able to correctly identify the type of refrigerant and oil that your car requires. In 2017, 1234yf, a new refrigerant hit the market requiring different tools. Additionally, hybrid and electric vehicles have different needs than other vehicles. A trained professional will know how to identify the type of refrigerant you have, what oil the system needs, and how to properly service your systems in a way that is optimal for your comfort, the longevity of vehicle components, and the environment.
If you’re concerned about the cost of having your car’s air conditioner serviced, you may want to consider having it done during the off-season. Many shops offer discounts during the winter months when there is less demand for air conditioning service.
By having your car’s air conditioner serviced regularly by a professional, you can help ensure that it will last for many years to come.
