Car air conditioning servicing: These signs suggest that your AC needs urgent repairing

Air Conditioners are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity. AC provides soothing comfort and a refreshing environment, whether you're chilling in your home or out for a long drive. On the other hand, a faulty AC system can burn a huge hole in your pocket by demanding maintenance if not taken care of properly. So, to avoid an uncomfortable and sweaty experience, it is best to get the AC maintained and repaired regularly.

Stay vigilant:

When your AC is not functioning at its optimum capacity, it will display some signs. If you can act upon them instantly, it can save you from a bigger expenditure in the future. So, if you are driving a car, it is important for you to understand how you can diagnose car AC issues and get it repaired pronto.

How to diagnose AC issues:

You can diagnose AC problems in a few steps.

Start the engine and turn the AC to its highest setting.
At its highest setting, the air flowing from the AC should be cold, not cool or warm.
If the air doesn’t feel right, there can be an issue with the airflow, compressor or low refrigerant levels.
The next step is to check the cooling fans. Their failure indicates some electrical issue with the AC.
If you find unpleasant smells in the car after turning on the AC, it indicates the cabin air filter is clogged.

So, what to do?

Approaching your car mechanic for car air conditioning services at the earliest for the exact problem diagnosis is important. He can identify the precise problem and suggest the right solutions. When you approach a mechanic, he will first examine the compressor closely.

AC compressor plays an important role in air cooling. AC may lose its potency to cool the atmosphere without a powerful and well-functioning compressor. The car mechanic will examine the compressor in the engine bay by checking if the clutch is engaged. A lack of it suggests the compressor has some problem or refrigerant deficiency.

If you are enthusiastic about checking it on your own, you can test the electric clutch by connecting it to your car battery. If the clutch functions well, it will let out a clack sound. If not, it suggests that it is time for a replacement.

The UV test:

Gas leakages are one of the most common AC problems. Your car mechanic can identify the leakage by injecting a dye into the system. If the gas leaks, it will become visible under the UV light. Many leak detection kits are available in the market if you want to check the leakage on your own. However, we advise you to seek professional help for problem identification and repairs.

Refrigerant refilling:

The AC blows out warm air mostly because of the low refrigerant levels. As the name suggests, refrigerant performs the task of keeping the air cold. Without a refrigerant, the AC will lose its capacity to cool the atmosphere. The car mechanic will clean the low-side service port, attach the charging hose and refill the refrigerant until the pressure gauge indicates that the gas is sufficiently refilled.

Amidst many ready-made refrigerant refilling kits available in the market, the temptation to do it yourself is unavoidable. However, refrigerants come in different types, such as R134a for cars manufactured after 1995 or R12 for older cars. It is best to consult an automotive service expert to avoid further damage to your vehicle’s air conditioning system.

While basic car maintenance can be carried out at home, complex problems such as AC repair require special tools and expertise. Especially in severe issues like compressor or clutch replacement, the best choice is to seek help from an automotive service shop. The professional technicians are equipped with the required knowledge, skills and tools to diagnose and fix complicated AC problems. Therefore, on-site AC repair is a wise decision.

Just like everything else, prevention is better than the cure. So, if you want to ensure that your car AC functions well for a long time, conduct regular maintenance. It includes recharging the refrigerant, getting the leak check done, replacing the cabin air filter from time to time and staying vigilant for any signs of repair. This will extend the AC’s lifespan and prevent you from unpleasant odours and bacterial growth.