We all understand how hot the interior of a vehicle can be after leaving it parked in the sun. Researchers confirm what you already know. After about 1 hour, the inside of your car will be a scorching 43 degrees hotter than the outside air. Running your AC will cool your interior off quickly. However, without proper maintenance, you may find hot air blowing from your vents. Rather than wonder, why is my car AC not working, bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Some Common Reasons For AC Failure
Many parts work together to keep the inside of your car cool. If any one of these components fails, your air conditioning can’t cool your cabin:
1. Refrigerant
Generally, the most common reason for your car’s air conditioner not working is leaking refrigerant. This chemical substance easily changes from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid and back again to a gas. As it transforms, the refrigerant absorbs or releases heat, cooling your car.
The air conditioning system requires a specific amount of refrigerant for your car’s AC to work properly. However, aging parts such as seals and hoses can allow refrigerant to escape.
2. Compressor
For your car’s air conditioner to work correctly, the refrigerant must continually circulate through your system. The compressor is the part responsible for pumping refrigerant in a continuous loop. It also compresses or squeezes the refrigerant to increase pressure.
3. Expansion Valve
The expansion valve is responsible for controlling the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. Additionally, it removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant allowing it to change into a gas. However, dirt and contaminants in the air conditioning system can cause the valve to malfunction.
For example, if you have a refrigerant leak or replace an air conditioner part, you expose the system to moisture. Any moisture can cause corrosion. Even tiny particles of rust from corrosion can cause the expansion valve to become stuck in an open or closed position. Moreover, overfilling your AC system with refrigerant can also cause valve problems.
4. Electrical Components
Your car’s air conditioner relies on electricity to run. However, the intense heat of your car’s engine can degrade wires disrupting the flow of electricity. Moreover, overworked components from low levels of refrigerant can cause a fuse to blow.
Furthermore, sensors can also prevent your car’s AC from working properly. Automakers install sensors to detect interior and exterior temperature as well as humidity levels. A malfunctioning sensor can’t supply the correct data to maintain your desired cabin comfort level.
5. Motor Fan
A motor turns the fan forcing cool air through the vents in your cabin. If you notice weak or no airflow, you may have an issue with the motor. Usually, failing to change your cabin air filter on schedule can overwork the motor. Anytime you put a strain on components, you run the risk of early failure.
Air Conditioner Maintenance For Your Car
Typically, performing routine maintenance on your car’s AC system means fewer breakdowns and less expensive repairs. So, what kind of servicing do you need to do?
First, you should run your system every few weeks even in the winter. This ensures the lubricant in the refrigerant circulates protecting seals from drying out. Additionally, change your cabin air filter on schedule. Finally, have your mechanic inspect your system for leaks annually. Refrigerant is a colorless and odorless substance making leaks difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
Why Is My Car AC Not Working – FAQs
Sometimes, car owners believe they can fix AC problems and save a few bucks. However, for many reasons, it’s always better to seek professional help. Below, we address a few DIY questions.
Are Stop Leak Products Safe To Use?
Before we can even talk about remedies, you must know the reason why is my car AC not working. Is the problem a leak, the compressor, or the expansion valve? Completing a fix on a misdiagnosed problem is a waste of time and money.
However, even if you know you have a refrigerant leak, we don’t recommend using a stop leak product. While a stop leak product will temporarily fix the issue, this solution can clog your entire air conditioning system. Then, you’ll have a bigger problem resulting in a more expensive fix.
Can I Recharge My AC System?
Usually, you can find plenty of bloggers and DIYers giving simplified instructions on how to recharge your car’s AC system. While this may seem like a great way to save money, this solution is also troublesome. First, automakers used different refrigerants depending on the year of your vehicle. Using the wrong one can severely damage your system.
Also, some scientists worry about toxicity even though modern refrigerants are better for the environment than older ones. Adding more refrigerant without fixing a leak allows chemicals to escape into the environment.
Furthermore, a refrigerant leak allows moisture into your system. Moisture is damaging allowing corrosion and rust particles to circulate. After fixing the leak, your mechanic will need to flush your system to remove impurities.
Finally, recharge kits use pressure to determine how much refrigerant to add. However, automakers determine refrigerants by weight. Both overfilling and underfilling your system can have disastrous results.
Where’s The Best Car Maintenance Shop?
Instead of asking yourself the question, why is my car AC not working, bring your vehicle to us. For over 25 years, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has been maintaining and servicing both foreign and domestic vehicles.
If you can’t remember the last time you had your AC serviced, call us today at 336-993-7697 to make an appointment.
