Several parts work together to keep your automobile’s cabin cool during the hot, summer months. When warm air blows from your vents, will you need a car AC condenser repair or simply an AC charge? Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville can correctly diagnose and fix your problem quickly.
The Basics Of Your Auto AC System
Your car’s air conditioner moves a chemical compound, refrigerant, in a closed loop absorbing and releasing heat. First, the warm air from your cabin passes over cold refrigerant in the evaporator. The air returns to your cabin cooled. Meanwhile, the heated refrigerant moves to the compressor where it becomes pressurized.
The increase in pressure also raises the temperature of the refrigerant and it becomes hotter than the outside air. Next, the refrigerant passes through the condenser releasing the heat it collected. Once again cool, it flows back to the evaporator.
A few other parts make up your car’s air conditioning system. You’ll also have electrical components, blower fans, hoses, seals, expansion valve/orifice tube, and accumulator/receiver/drier. Any one of these components can go bad leaving you sweating.
Signs Your Air Conditioning System Needs Servicing
Yearly servicing of your car’s AC system can prevent many issues. If you notice any of these signs, bring your car to your local auto repair shop as soon as possible:
- Warm Air Blowing From The Vents
One of the most obvious signs that your AC needs servicing is warm air blowing from your vents. Leaking refrigerant, broken compressor, or failing evaporator/condenser can’t properly cool the air.
- Weak Airflow
As your cabin air filter cleans the air, it becomes clogged with dirt. Forgetting to change your cabin air filter can reduce airflow. Furthermore, a failing fan motor loses power as it goes bad reducing the amount of circulating air.
- Unpleasant Odors
Moist, hot air passing over the evaporator leaves behind water. In a properly working system, this moisture drains away out of the car. However, a clogged drain can allow water to accumulate. This provides the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria growth giving your vehicle a nasty odor.
- Odd Noises
Several parts will make odd sounds as they start to fail. Both a failing compressor and a worn serpentine belt can make a high-pitched squeal. While a failing blower motor may make a rattling sound.
- Leaks
Without enough refrigerant, your AC system can’t cool your cabin properly. Over time, parts like seals and hoses can become brittle and develop leaks. However, refrigerant is odorless and colorless making detecting leaks difficult. Thus, some automakers have begun to put UV dye in the refrigerant to make finding a leak easier.
When Will I Need A Car AC Condenser Repair?
Usually, manufacturers build AC condensers to last the life of the automobile. However, you can’t forget to perform routine maintenance and expect car parts to last. All car systems work together so neglecting one component will affect the efficiency and longevity of all other parts
For example, routine cleaning can remove dirt and leaves that accumulate on the condenser. If too much collects on this part, it loses some of its ability to shed heat. As your system struggles to cool your cabin, it loses efficiency, strains other parts, and drives up energy consumption. Thus, your cabin won’t be as cool and you’ll use more gas.
Moreover, its position in the engine exposes the AC condenser to de-icing chemicals sprayed on the road during winter months. While the salty brine is great for preventing icy roads, it’s extremely corrosive. To prevent rusting, it’s important to wash de-icing chemicals from all parts of your car.
Car AC Condenser Repair – FAQs
Are you absolutely sure you need a car AC condenser repair? Replacing a perfectly good part is a waste of time and money. Instead, have an expert, like Xpress Lube, diagnose your problem. For over 25 years, we have been helping residents of Kernersville and surrounding areas maintain their vehicles. Below we answer a few commonly asked questions about automobile air conditioning systems.
Will My Automobile’s AC Condenser Need Replacing Or Can A Technician Repair It?
Usually, the most common reason for condenser failure is cracking. Often, fixing one crack won’t guarantee you won’t get another one, especially in an older part. Typically, it’s easier and offers a more reliable solution to replace it.
Can I Replace An AC Condenser Myself?
Professionals are the best to handle complex automobile AC issues. First, it can be difficult to pinpoint the failing component without the technical knowledge and the proper equipment. Furthermore, the EPA prohibits the venting of automotive refrigerants into the atmosphere. This means you must collect and properly contain this chemical compound during the repair.
In addition to refrigerants causing harm to the environment, they’re also flammable and poisonous. You could suffer serious injury if you come in contact with this chemical compound.
What Other Auto Services Do You Offer?
We’re a full-service auto repair shop servicing foreign and domestic trucks, cars, vans, and SUVs. In addition to repairing auto AC systems, we can offer many other solutions for automobile issues:
- Wheel alignment
- Brakes
- Electrical diagnostics
- Transmissions
- Oil change
- Mufflers
- Tires
- State safety inspections
- Emissions
- Auto detailing
- Car wash
- And more!
If you’ve been experiencing issues with your air conditioning system, don’t wait until you’re dripping in sweat! Plus, delaying could result in more costly repairs. Call Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville today at 336-993-7697 to make an appointment or use our easy online form.
