With temperatures already reaching into the 90s and triple digits this summer, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken AC. Many people are most concerned with their home air conditioning, but how much time do you spend in your car? Between commuting to work, running errands, taking your family to activities, and traveling, you probably spend a significant amount of time on the road. Therefore, you need an air conditioner that works, even on the hottest summer days. If your vehicle has a condenser leak, it’s important to schedule car AC condense leak repair with one of the experts here at Kernersville Auto Center as soon as possible.

Why AC Repair Matters

If your vehicle needs AC repair, you might be tempted to put it off. After all, a non-functioning AC doesn’t really affect your ability to drive, right? However, going without a functioning AC can put you in a miserable or even dangerous situation.

Summers here in North Carolina aren’t just uncomfortable. They can be downright unbearable without AC. Experts at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predict this summer to be hotter than normal for our local area, especially during July. This heat will likely last well into the fall months and extends to most other U.S. states as well. Even if you roll the windows down, you could experience health risks such as heat stroke, as well as drowsiness, which can cause accidents.

Additionally, a broken AC can cause strain on your engine. When your AC isn’t working properly, your engine works harder to power the system. Parts can wear out faster, and mold/mildew can build up in your vents. If it’s humid enough, a broken AC can even cause your windows to fog up! In general, it’s always better to schedule car air conditioner repair as soon as you notice something is wrong and to properly maintain your AC to prevent problems in the first place.

Signs You Have a Condenser Leak

If your AC isn’t working, it could be any number of problems. However, a fluid leak is one of the most common repairs needed. The leak could be within the AC condenser itself or anywhere along the system. Here are some signs that your issue is a leak:

• You see refrigerant puddles under your car.
• The car is blowing air, indicating that the fan is working, but the air isn’t getting cold.
• Your engine starts to overheat, even when you’re just idling.
• There are weird sounds or smells coming from your vehicle when you turn on the AC.

Many vehicles, especially newer models, also have an AC repair warning light on the dashboard. Alternatively, you might see your general check engine light pop on. If any dashboard lights come on, you should call us to schedule an appointment right away.

Keep in mind that while leaks are common, your AC might be on the fritz due to other problems as well. Here’s a list of other common AC issues.

Why a DIY AC Charge Kit Probably Won’t Work

If your AC isn’t working, your first idea might be to try a DIY AC charge kit, which you can get at many major retailers. This is an inexpensive fix, but for a reason: it usually doesn’t work. And if it does work, most people don’t see long-term results.

When you use a kit to charge your AC, you are adding more refrigerant to the system. This will help your AC work if the fluid level was low, but it doesn’t address the underlying problem. Why was your refrigerant low in the first place? Your vehicle’s AC is a closed system, which means that the level should remain constant. Typically, there’s a leak you have to repair. An AC charge kit won’t find and repair the leak. It’s just a Band-Aid on a bigger problem.

That’s where we come in. The experts at Kernersville Auto Center know how to find leaks in your condenser or other parts of the system. Often, small leaks are relatively inexpensive to repair and don’t require you to replace the entire AC condenser. However, if you do have a bad ac condenser, we can help you find the best solution for your budget.

FAQs About Car AC Condenser Leak Repair

You don’t have to be anxious about finding an auto repair shop here in the Triad. We’re here to help, and we have customer reviews to show the quality of our work. We’ll help you keep your vehicle cool this summer, and are happy to answer any questions you have about AC repair. Here are a few frequently asked questions we often hear from customers:

How long does a car AC condenser last?

It depends on the make and model of your vehicle, but AC condensers should last 10 to 20 years before needing replacement and at least 8-10 years before needing any repairs at all. You can increase the lifespan of your AC condenser, as well as all other car parts, by properly maintaining your vehicle. Our experts can help you get on the right maintenance schedule for not only your AC, but also oil changes, air filter replacement, annual state inspections, engine tune-ups, and more.

Can I replace the condenser myself?

Car AC condenser leak repair or replacement is not something we recommend tackling if you don’t know your way around vehicles. Instead, let a professional assess and handle the job. We’ll make sure the work is done right the first time.

Is it expensive to replace my car’s AC condenser?

This kind of repair is typically less than $1000, but it depends on the specifics. We do our best to make sure we fit into everyone’s budget, and will repair instead of replacing if it is the most cost-effective choice for your vehicle. Come in today to have your vehicle’s AC system inspected. We can give you our best repair recommendation along with a price quote so you know exactly how much you’re going to pay. Click here to schedule an appointment now.