Car AC Maintenance Tips: Everything You Need To Know

Every piece of machinery or equipment requires regular maintenance to continue functioning efficiently. The car’s air conditioning unit is one of the best features you look for in a vehicle. However, after a year or so, you might have felt reduced cooling or efficiency in the air conditioning. You might as well have felt a weird smell or slight suffocation when your car AC is running. All these are an indicator that your car AC requires maintenance.

All you need to do is type car air conditioning repair near me  in your web browser search engine. You must pay attention to these signs as they might lead to malfunction or irreparable damage to your air conditioning system. You will get a list of repair shops around the block. Choose the one that has maximum ratings and positive reviews. However, continue reading below to help you understand better when your car needs conditioning.

How Does The Car AC Work?

A car AC comprises five significant parts—an evaporator, condenser, compressor, accumulator, and expansion valve. The compressor refrigerated gas called Freon. As the kinetic energy of the gas increases, so does the temperature. The pressurized hot gas layer passes through coils that utilize the outside air to cool the air down. This leads to the condensation of gas into a cool liquid. The accumulator absorbs all the moisture present in the air. The valve later provides resistance to the flow of refrigerant, causing the change from a high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist. The low-pressure liquid refrigerant later flows through the evaporator, where a blower helps push the air across the cold tubes of the evaporator to send cool air toward your car compartment.

When Should You Service The Air Conditioning System?

You need not rush to a car air conditioning repair near you. A few primary indications can help you inspect the car’s AC system. 

• Start your car. Once the engine is warm enough, turn the AC to the highest output. Carefully listen if you hear any unusual noises from the AC system. It could be a knocking sound or something blocking the outlet.

• Check whether the air level is in sync with the set AC level. Is the air coming out of the vent too cold? If yes, your system requires service.

• A sure-shot indicator of a malfunctioning AC system is a foul odor from the AC vents. It is probably caused due to a leak in the air conditioning system.

• The final check is of the compressor. If it makes a clicking sound, it indicates engaging and disengaging of the compressor. You probably have a faulty compressor if you hear any other sound or no sound.

• A cabin temperature higher than usual is an indicator of a faulty AC system.

• A failing AC compressor makes loud noises due to wearing out parts of the system.

Wrap Up

After a certain period, everything needs maintenance, be it human or machinery. A car AC service usually takes anywhere around 3-4 hours. Primarily the residual gas is removed from the air conditioning system. The dashboard is removed to get the coiling system out. The coil is then cleaned and fitted back into the system. AC vents are cleaned to ensure no bacterial or fungi growth persists. Once the system is in place, the air vents are checked with restored airflows. It must be clear by now that you shouldn’t take any risk with your car AC service, as a slight delay could cost you more than you would shell out for an annual service.