Making Repairs To The AC System In Your Vehicle

14 April 2023
 Categories: Automotive, Blog

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The air conditioning system in your car or truck is vital for anyone living in areas that experience high temperatures in the summer. The AC system makes your car more comfortable to drive, but when it stops working, taking your vehicle to a shop offering car AV repair services is often the best choice.

Leaking Refrigerant

One of the most common problems with air conditioning systems in older cars is leaks that allow refrigerant to leak out of the system. When the car AC system pressure falls low enough, the compressor can no longer compress the gas enough to make it cold. 

The solution is often to recharge the system, but it is essential to find the leak in the car AC system before adding refrigerant, or it will leak, and the problem will reappear. Checking the system for leaks requires adding dye to the system and inspecting it after charging it with air or another inert gas.

The leak testing is often best left to a car AC system repair shop with the right equipment and knowledge to do the work without damaging the AC system. 

Compressor Failure

Another common failure point in the car AC system on older vehicles is the compressor or clutch on it. The compressor is vital to the operation of the car AC system, so if it stops working, the refrigerant will not do its job, and the system will blow hot air from the vents. 

Many times the clutch on the compressor is the weak point. If it stops working, it will not engage the compressor and often will mimic a compressor failure. 

Determining the difference requires some testing by a mechanic that is familiar with the system. If the clutch is working correctly, the problem could be inside the compressor and typically requires replacing it with a new one. 

Belts And Hoses

The belts and hoses in any car AC system are the most likely parts to wear over time. Maintaining the belts and hoses is easy to do and should be part of the regular maintenance plan for your car or truck.

Most modern vehicles use serpentine belts on the accessories and the ac compressor, so if the belt breaks, you will probably notice it before you realize the AC stops working. The power steering, cooling fan, and alternator are driven off the main belt, and if it breaks while driving, you will often feel the difference in how the car drives, and the check engine light on the dash will typically come on.

For more information, contact car AC repair services today.