5 signs that your vehicle's air conditioning needs repair

5 signs that your vehicle's air conditioning needs repair

The A/C system of your vehicle keeps the temperature inside comfortable regardless of the weather outside, so it's an important feature that should not be overlooked. Over the years, this system gets damaged and worn because of the old age and regular usage. If you notice that your air conditioning is no longer providing you with the right temperature you prefer, you should have it checked and repaired as necessary.

If you don't know how to determine whether your A/C system is in need of repair or maintenance, we're going to help you with that. In this article, we've prepared the 5 most common signs of a failing air conditioning that will serve as warnings. When you notice one or more of these signs, it's best to have it inspected and fixed right away.

Here are 5 signs that your vehicle's air conditioning needs repair:

1. The Refrigerant is Leaking

The main function of the refrigerant is to keep your car's interior cool. There's a decent chance that your refrigerant is leaking if you notice that your air conditioning is not able to provide a cool temperature even though it's being turned on for some time. In addition, over time rubber seals and hoses can lose their elasticity which leads to the escape of the refrigerant.

If there is moisture, it can cause damage to the receiver, drier or even accumulator. If you have a leaking refrigerant, you should attend to it immediately, because it can damage other important components of your A/C system.

2. Unfamiliar Noise

If you hear unfamiliar, rattling noise each time you turn the A/C of your car on, this is a sure sign of a broken condenser or fan belt. Moreover, the noise can also be caused by debris in the fan. You should not ignore unfamiliar noises because they can be a sign of a more serious problem.

3. Oil is Leaking

If the A/C condenser, evaporator, fittings, compressor, or lines, it may leak compressor oil. The air conditioning system cannot function properly and produce cool air if there’s an oil leak. A leaking oil is not easily noticeable, but it’s a problem that could lead to something more serious in the future.

4. Weak Airflow

If the airflow from your vehicle’s air conditioner is weak, this means that it’s difficult for the air to reach the air vents. This can be caused by fried ventilation fan, accumulated mildew or mold in the evaporator, opened core case seals, evaporator core case seals, or blower house seals or loose blower hose.

5. Unpleasant Odor Coming From the A/C

If you notice an unpleasant odor that stinks like sweaty clothes, this means that the cabin air filter of your A/C system is dirty or worn. You need to have it cleaned or replaced if it is necessary. The regular change of air cabin filters will definitely help in preventing long-term damage to your A/C system, as well as reducing your fuel consumption.

Having a regular vehicle maintenance check-ups is important to keep your A/C system in top shape as well as preventing serious damage in the long run. Go to your local San Francisco auto repair shop and have a top-quality A/C repair or maintenance when it’s needed, so that you can avoid any further complications in the future.