Common Car Air Conditioning Problems

4 Reasons Why Your Car’s A/C May Need Repair

Common Car Air Conditioning Problems

Air conditioning isn’t only about comfort. It’s also about safety. It’s never fun to be without air conditioning on a hot summer day, especially in a hot car when temperatures can easily reach extreme temperatures. When your vehicle’s air conditioning fails, it can make long commutes more difficult to deal with the heat. If your vehicle’s A/C is experiencing problems, look no further than the experienced professionals at Selma Automotive & Transmission Repair in Selma, TX. Our staff of certified mechanics has the tools and diagnostics equipment needed to complete your auto A/C repairs. Let us help get you back on the road calm, cool, and collected.

Common Auto A/C Repair Problems

Your A/C problems could result from many different things. Below, we’ll look at four common auto A/C repair problems that most auto owners experience and why using a certified professional for repairs is crucial.

Air Conditioning Stops Blowing Cold Air

A refrigerant leak is the most common source of this problem. The components of your A/C system rely significantly on the refrigerant to keep the vehicle cool. The other air conditioning components will be unable to function if there is insufficient refrigerant.
Unfortunately, unlike an oil leak, refrigerant leaks are challenging to detect because refrigerant is designed to evaporate when exposed to the outside environment. A refrigerant leak can occur at any time but is commonly the result of a hole in the compressor, condenser, or hoses. Luckily, a certified technician will locate the leak and begin repairs before performing auto A/C repair to restore cold airflow.

Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew

The smell of mildew that hits your nose when you turn on your A/C is most commonly due to the growth of bacteria in the system. This problem is common in automobiles that rarely use air conditioning or have high mileage.
Bacteria, mold, fungi, and other pollutants can gather in air filters and grow below the evaporator’s dashboard, causing a foul odor to emanate from the vents due to this growth. Luckily, a technician can alleviate this problem by replacing your air filter. If replacing the filter does not eliminate the odor, a technician may inject an antibacterial solution into the evaporator to kill mold and other pollutants.

No Air Coming From Vents

When performing auto A/C repair, a skilled technician must rule out any potential causes by inspecting the vehicle’s components. This problem isn’t as evident as hot air flowing from the vents and can happen for various reasons, such as blown a fuse, blocked air intake, and damaged belts or hoses. If the problem persists, you should consult an expert technician to have the other components of the ventilation system tested, as it may need significant repair or replacement.

Air Conditioning Makes Strange Noises

Any time your car produces a noise it didn’t previously make, it could be a clue that something is wrong. Air conditioning systems should perform relatively quietly, so if you hear rattling, banging, or other strange noises, it’s natural to be concerned about the source of the problem. In some cases, the auto A/C repair could be as little as leaves or other road debris getting stuck in the unit and causing strange noises. Still, it could also signify that a critical component has failed. Continuing to use your air conditioner may aggravate the situation, so be sure to schedule a service appointment with a reputable mechanic for an inspection.