If your car's AC isn't keeping you cool, we can help!Car AC Repair
In Southern California, there are few things more important to your comfort than air conditioning in your vehicle. Regular maintenance can prevent AC problems. But, if you need reliable car AC repair services, AutoAid is your best bet in the San Fernando Valley.
Our ASE Certified Master Technicians can diagnose your air conditioning issue and then perform necessary repairs. We work on all personal and fleet vehicles: gas, electric or hybrid.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Car AC Problems
Broken air conditioning in a vehicle can leave you and your passengers uncomfortable in hot weather. Prompt repair is critical to your total cost, since AC problems get worse the longer they go unchecked.
This is because of the refrigerant in the system. As the refrigerant in your car AC system starts to age, it starts to wear down the compressor. The breakdown results in sharp metal flecks. These flecks travel through the rest of car AC system and damage all its parts.
Early detection of AC problems is critical. Some common symptoms include:
Weak Airflow
Weak air flow is an indication of AC problems to come. Common reasons your AC system might be having a hard time providing ice cold air include:
- Loose AC Compressor Belt
- Mold or mildew accumulation from the residual moisture of the AC system
- Loose or broken seals
- Broken ventilation fan
Warm Air From Your Car AC
Warmer than normal air coming out of your vents is another indicator of AC problems that will eventually lead to AC system failure, commonly caused by:
- A clog in the refrigerant charging hose or the expansion tube
- Failure in the blower motor or blower motor resistor
- Vacuum leaks
- Freon leak because of a failed hose, seal, or O-ring
- Failure in the compressor or compressor clutch
- Damage to the evaporator or condenser of the system
- Failure of the control module, a fuse, switch, relay or the solenoid
Bad Odor
If your AC system is putting out a foul odor, it is usually one of two issues. Either the air cabin filter is old or dirty, or the evaporator case is moldy. Either way, we can fix it.
AC Air Flow is Cool, Then Becomes Warm
Sometimes, your car’s air conditioning may start running well, cooling off your car as you expect it to. But then, it starts to warm up. This could be due to:
- A faulty compressor clutch
- A shorted fuse
- A refrigerant leak (treat this ASAP, since refrigerant can become corrosive once mixed with moisture)
- A clogged expansion valve
Avoid Car AC Repairs with Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent needing car AC repair is regular inspection and maintenance. There are several ways to check the air conditioning system for efficiency or potential failures, including:
- Visual inspection of cooling fans, water pump, radiator, belts, hoses, clamps, and caps
- Combustion leak test
- Fluid check for coolant leakage
- Injection of a black light tracer dye to detect leakage points
- Radiator cap pressure test
It is important to have your AC system inspected regularly. This will help detect problems before they start to ruin the AC system of your car and cause more expensive problems. In addition to the tests above, occasional flushing of the cooling system can be helpful.
Routine maintenance can help prevent AC problems. When you need maintenance or when you need car AC repair, turn to AutoAid for help. AutoAid technicians are specialized in AC repair for gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. You can even schedule an appointment online.