We've all been there before.
It's a hot summer day, you turn on your car, and it's over 100 degrees inside. And even after driving around for a bit you notice that the temperature doesn't seem to be going down at all. Your AC obviously isn't working like it's supposed to, but you aren't sure what the issue is.
Even if you roll your windows down, or take all the precautions you can to keep your car cool when parked, this can be a nightmare scenario. And if you have children or animals inside your car with you, it can actually be quite dangerous, even with the windows rolled down.
If you're having AC problems in your car, and are trying to figure out what those problems are so you can decide your next move, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll tell you the 7 most common AC issues found in cars, as well as give advice to help guide you in the right direction in fixing those issues.
Now then, let's get started!
You’re Leaking Freon
If the AC in your car isn't working properly, there are a multitude of things that could be wrong. With that being said, one of the most likely issues is a refrigerant leak.
While you can indeed just fill your car back up with freon and keep rolling down the road, it's important to note that isn't a permanent fix. If you truly want to get your car AC fixed permanently, you need to fix the leak before refilling your system with refrigerant.
A freon leak is a lot like a leaky tire. If you don't patch or replace that tire, the air is just going to leak back out over time. And freon is much more expensive than air, so it's wise to fix it the moment you have the issue.
You can indeed do this repair yourself, and car refrigerate kits are available at all auto parts stores. But if you overcharge your system, you can create an even bigger issue than you had originally, so it's a good idea to let a pro do this for you if you aren't very experienced in this area.
You’re Having Electrical Problems
Like most everything else in your car, your vehicle's AC system runs off of electricity. So if you have bad wires or wires that are damaged, you could be having electrical issues.
But locating an electrical issue can be quite a nightmare, which is why it's a good idea to take your car to a shop if you suspect you're having this type of problem. On top of being a difficult task, repairing or rewiring your AC incorrectly could lead to even more damage, which is obviously not something you want to happen.
The Blend Air Door is Stuck
Your car AC has something called a blend air door, which is essentially just a door that keeps the hot air from your motor from coming out of your vents when the AC is on.
So if that door gets stuck, and you're trying to run the air conditioning, you can get hot air instead of cold. Reaching the blend air door can be quite difficult, depending on the make of your car, but once you've found it, it's an easy and free fix to make.
You’re Having Compressor Issues
Similar to the HVAC system in your home, your car AC uses a compressor to cool your vehicle. As the name would suggest, it compresses freon, and then produces the cold air you're looking for as it expands.
If your compressor is acting up, and your unit isn't suffering from electrical or freon issues, you're going to need to have it replaced by a professional.
The Condenser is Blocked
If your condenser is blocked due to a buildup of debris, your AC won't function properly. That's why it's important to keep your filter changed and AC system clean to help prevent maintenance related issues.
The good news is, if your condenser is indeed blocked, a simple cleaning should get you back up and running again. It's a cheap fix and doesn't take a ton of time to complete.
The Condenser is Damaged
Like your compressor, if your condenser is damaged, you're going to need to get it replaced to get your AC running cool again. Unfortunately, these two repairs can be quite costly, and you're going to need a professional's help to do so properly and safely.
The Fan is Bad
Your car AC, just like the AC in your home, has a little fan with a motor that blows the air. If that fan motor, or the fan blade itself, is malfunctioning, you won't have any airflow at all.
Reaching the fan blade or fan motor can be tough, depending on the make of your car. However, it is a much cheaper repair compared to a broken condenser or compressor, so if you're experiencing a bad fan, it's worth noting that it could be worse.
The 7 Most Common Car AC Problems
Well, there you have it! These are the 7 most common car AC problems!
Remember, if you have a big issue with your car's AC, it's wise to take it to a professional and let them resolve it for you. Sure, you can save a few bucks doing those repairs yourself, but if you mess something up, you can wind up spending more money later on getting things fixed.
Looking to get help with your car AC issues? Contact us today, we'll be glad to assist you!
