When your vehicle’s AC stops working, it may make your driving experience like a chore. Finding the root cause of the problem may be tricky, however there are some key areas in which you may start looking. We’ll check 3 common AC maintenance or trouble-shooting with below steps.
1. Check for Debris Under Your Car’s Bonnet
While all of the components beneath your bonnet are well protected, it’s not a sealed area. It’s possible for leaves, bugs, small animals, dirt, and other debris to get under there with time.
Problems with Your Condenser and Clogs Can Mean Warm Air
More specifically, smaller debris like leaves and dirt can gather under the bonnet and around the condenser. Your car’s condenser is a part of the AC system and performs a large role in cooling the air circulating via the system. Ensure that the cooling fans on your car’s condenser are functioning when your air conditioning is on, as well as the radiator. If they become blocked, it can keep air from being able to pass over the condenser, leading to not-cool-sufficient air in the cabin of your car. This is likewise true of your cabin air filter, so it’s a great idea to check it while you’re under the bonnet.
2. Check Your Refrigerant Levels
The key to cool air is refrigerant. And much like any other fluid in your car, leaks can happen and that means you won’t have adequate fluid left in the system to do its job. Over time, you’ll require an AC recharge service or have your refrigerant replaced on a regular basis, so if your car’s AC doesn’t feel as cool as it should, it’s normally because of refrigerant issues. To test refrigerant levels, you’ll need a recharge kit and will have to locate the low-pressure service port. If this indicates refrigerant levels in the red zone, you can top it off – however make sure to check your owner’s manual for the proper type of refrigerant.
Refrigerant is Key to Cooling Air in Your Car’s AC System
Even though low refrigerant can mean your car’s air conditioning system doesn’t work as well as it should, leaks are actually normal in this case. That’s why you should schedule regular AC recharges, especially once you notice your car’s air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it should.
3. Check for Leaks in the Air Conditioning System
As with many systems in your car, the AC system can get leaks over time. These can spring up in some of places, from worn gaskets and seals to holes in the condenser. You can test the pressures in your car’s aircon system using a manifold gauge set. Compare the readings to the recommended pressures in your owner’s manual. If your pressure readings are off, it can signal a leak in the system.
A Mechanic Can Run an AC Check to Find any Leaks or Other AC Repairs
Whether you’re comfortable checking pressures in your AC system at home or not, the best alternative for this type of AC repair is to make an appointment with a trusted mechanic. Leaks may be tricky to accurately diagnose due to the fact they are able to spring up in a variety of places and parts. Your mechanic can also additionally use UV dye to find where the leak is located before replacing any necessary parts.
