Car AC Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself

Your car’s air conditioning is an essential part of your comfort while driving. It cools you down and makes the ride a lot more enjoyable.

However, it can run into a lot of problems over time. Some of these can be avoided by keeping up with basic maintenance, and by being aware of when to get a professional to make Car Air conditioning repairs .

One of the biggest things that can cause a problem with your air conditioning is a leak. Your air conditioning system is a closed pressurized system, and seals, hoses and valves will naturally leak very small amounts of refrigerant over time. This is okay for a while, but you need to have it checked by a professional before all the refrigerant and oil are lost from the system.

Leaks can also be caused by faulty seals or by dry rot of the rubber and plastic components of your car’s air conditioning system. If you suspect a leak, it is important to have it taken care of right away as this will not only make your vehicle less comfortable to drive but will also shorten the life of the compressor.

Another sign that your air conditioner may be failing is if the vents don’t blow cold air when you turn on your system. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be able to fix it at home with an at-home recharge kit ($35+), but in many cases you’ll need to bring your car into a mechanic for more comprehensive diagnostics and repairs.

You should also be alert to any strange smells or sounds coming from the vents. You should hear a grinding noise from the compressor pulley or bearings when they start to fail, and this can cause other belt driven components in your vehicle to stop working.

If your AC starts to have trouble, you should also look under the hood for signs that the compressor isn’t running. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is driven by a serpentine belt and clutch mechanism. If this becomes frozen, it will no longer be able to spin, which means the air conditioner won’t work and other belt driven parts like the alternator may stop running too.

If you’re confident that your air conditioning isn’t working properly, it can be tempting to try a DIY fix. This can be dangerous to your Car Air conditioning repairs and lead to further damage, so unless you have experience working on automobiles it’s best to leave the more complicated repairs to a qualified automotive professional. The right technician will ensure that your car’s air conditioning continues to cool you down and keep you comfortable on the road for years to come.


Central Auto Repairs

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