Now that spring is in full swing, we can expect warmer days ahead of us. Before the temperatures begin to rise too much, though, you want to make sure that your vehicle’s air conditioning is in good working condition to handle the summer heat — one of the last things you want is to be trapped in a hot car while commuting to and from work or running errands.
Your vehicle’s A/C can fail for several different reasons, and the type of symptoms you are noticing can help identify the problem at hand.
At Fort Collins Foreign Car Service, our auto mechanics are trained and experienced in vehicle cooling system evaluations and repairs. In this blog, we are going to help guide you through the process of determining if you have an issue with your vehicle’s air conditioning, and what kind of issue you may be having.
Signs You Need An Air Conditioning Tune-Up For Your Vehicle
There are several warning signs that indicate that your air conditioning is having issues, or is about to fail. Some of the most common signs include:
- Blows Hot Air. The most obvious sign of a broken air conditioner is when it no longer blows cool, crisp air from the vents, and instead blows warm or hot air. Typically this is caused by an issue with the compressor, evaporator, or it can be caused by a lack of refrigerant.
Clicking or Strange Noises. If you hear a banging sound or rattling noise when you turn on your air conditioner, you should have your system checked out as soon as possible. The cause of the noise could be any number of things, including debris lodged in the blower motor, a worn condenser, or a faulty compressor belt.
Leaking Refrigerant. Refrigerant is a gas the air conditioner uses to produce cold air. Without it, your vehicle’s A/C will not churn out the cool air you have come to expect when driving in the summer heat.
Unpleasant Odor. Is there a funky smell coming from your AC vents? This could be a sign that there is mold or bacteria growing inside your car’s A/C system. A full refrigerant flush usually takes care of any serious problems, but if the smell persists, you may need your vehicle’s A/C ducts cleaned.
How To Take Care Of Vehicle Air Conditioning
One of the easiest ways to avoid any major problems with your car’s air conditioning is to keep up with regular A/C maintenance. This includes having the refrigerant flushed, and the system recharged with fresh refrigerant to help ensure that clogs are prevented from developing and that the system is properly pressurized at all times.
By keeping your vehicle’s air conditioning system maintained, the components won’t be as strained and are less likely to fail. If you think you may have issues, or it has been a year or longer since you’ve had regular A/C maintenance, have your air conditioning serviced at Fort Collins Foreign Car Service. Let our experienced mechanics take care of you and your car, and make sure you are ready for the upcoming heat of the summer.
