Rubber seals in your engine, including those for your AC system, are under constant stress. The heat from the engine causes the rubber to harden and crack. While cold, dry air causes seals to lose their elasticity. As seals age and deteriorate, gaps begin to appear allowing the refrigerant in your AC system to escape. Then, when you turn it on during the first hot spell, you’ll have warm air blowing from your vents. When you need the best automotive AC repair near me, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Signs You Need AC Servicing
Usually, it’s very obvious when you need to service your AC, you won’t have cool air. Yet, there are a few other symptoms you may experience with a failing air conditioner:
1. Inconsistent Cabin Temperatures
When you turn on your car’s AC, does it blow cold air which then turns warm? The problem may lie with the expansion valve. This part controls the flow and pressure of refrigerant into the evaporator. Too much or too little refrigerant flowing to the evaporator will prevent your AC from cooling the air properly.
2. Warm Air Blowing From Your Vents
As the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator, it pulls heat and humidity from your cabin. A fan blows the cooled air surrounding the evaporator into your cabin. Without enough refrigerant in your system, warm air will blow from your vents.
3. Unusual Noises
One of the main parts of your car’s AC, the compressor, continually cycles on and off. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant as well as pumping it through the system.
Another part, the clutch, controls the power to the AC compressor to regulate the cycling. When either of them starts to fail, you’ll often hear a loud, clunky noise.
4. A Puddle On The Front Passenger Floor
One of the ways air conditioning systems help keep you cool is by drawing moisture out of the air. When warm, moist air passes over the chilled evaporator, it transforms water vapor into water. Typically, this water will drain outside through a drain pipe. However, road debris can clog the drain pipe. With nowhere else to go, this water may collect on the floor of the front passenger side.
5. Bad smell
Another problem with the accumulation of moisture from a clogged drain pipe is the growth of mold and mildew. Carpeting, upholstery, and seatbelts are prime places for mold growth. Most likely, mold is causing a nasty odor inside your cabin.
Some Common Causes Of Your Car’s AC Not Working
Like many systems in your engine, your air conditioner consists of many components working together to keep you cool. If any one of these parts fails, you’ll have warm air blowing from your vents.
Generally, the most common reason for your AC not working is low refrigerant. Many other AC problems can trace back to this issue. Often, old seals or corroded parts can allow refrigerant to escape. Before adding more refrigerant, have a technician locate and seal all leaks.
Another frequent occurrence is a failing AC compressor. Running your AC with low refrigerant can overwork the compressor. Additionally, all refrigerants contain lubricants. When refrigerant is low, moving parts like the compressor will experience increased friction.
Furthermore, both the evaporator and condenser can suffer from corrosion. Leaks allow air with moisture into the system. Unfortunately, refrigerant combined with water forms a highly corrosive compound that will corrode metal parts.
Finally, to keep you comfortable, your system relies on electrical components called sensors to collect and relay specific data. Additionally, sensors and other parts require electricity to function. Thus, blown fuses, fraying wires, or failing sensors can also cause issues with your car’s AC system.
Best Automotive AC Repair Near Me – FAQs
Sometimes, you may know you need AC servicing. Yet, finding a shop for the best automotive AC repair near me can prove frustrating. At Xpress Lube, we offer quality servicing and repairs at competitive prices. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about AC systems and our services.
How Often Should I Service My Car’s AC?
Like other systems in your car, regular maintenance can prevent major problems and keep you cool all summer long. Generally, most experts recommend servicing your air conditioner every 1-2 years depending on your usage. Typically, you can find your manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance in your owner’s manual.
Are DIY Recharge Kits Safe To Use?
Many auto parts stores carry these kits for when your system is low on refrigerant and you suspect a leak. However, we don’t recommend using recharge kits as they can cause additional problems.
Which Areas Do You Serve?
Our location is 725 Hwy 66 Kernersville, conveniently located to I-40 and Business 40. In addition to serving the immediate area of Kernersville, we can also serve the following communities:
- Wallburg
- Colfax
- Oak Ridge
- Walkertown
- Stokesdale
- Summerfield
What Should I Look For In An Auto Repair Shop?
When searching for the best automotive ac repair near me, look for these particular characteristics:
- ASE-certified mechanics
- Great reviews
- Longevity in business
- Fair prices with quality repairs
Of course, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville meets all the requirements for a dependable mechanic. We employ 4 ASE-certified mechanics who perform quality work at competitive prices. From oil changes to transmissions, our technicians can service and maintain both foreign and domestic vehicles. Moreover, our customers have been trusting us with their vehicles for over 25 years. You can read some of their reviews here.
Are high temperatures in the forecast? Don’t sweat! Call Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-993-7967 today to book your appointment. We’ll have you back in the cool quickly.
