Why is my car air conditioning not working?

The weather is getting warmer and you may find yourself wondering, “Why is my car air conditioning not working?”  During the warm temperatures of summer, your AC unit will receive a lot of use.  Thus, it is vital that you take care of your car air conditioner so that you aren’t stranded on the road looking for car AC repair.

In addition to hoses and refrigerant charging ports, the AC system consists of 5 major parts:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Receiver dryer 
• Expansion valve
• Evaporator

How does the air conditioner keep you cool?  As the refrigerant is compressed in the compressor, it turns into a hot gas which is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve.  The Freon returns to a low-pressure gas as it passes through the expansion valve and is rapidly cooled in the evaporator.   A small fan blows over the evaporator, cooling the air that eventually blows out your car vents.

So why is my car air conditioning not working?  Here is a list of several typical issues:  

• The coolant has lost its efficiency due to exposure to the excessive heat of the engine, road debris, dirt, vibrations, quick stops, and even run-ins with curbs.
• The AC’s compressor can’t create a high enough pressure to correctly cool the refrigerant.  This could be caused by a block in the system, or cracks in the unit have developed cracks that allow the refrigerant to escape.
• The cooling fans could be burned out, poorly mounted, a fan blade is chipped, or there is a blown fuse or burnt-out relay.
• An electrical issue could be sending a faulty signal caused by a broken wire, bad module, or bad sensors.

If you have not already scheduled an auto AC service, make sure to do so before heading down the road on a hot summer day. The benefits include improved gas mileage, a more environmentally-friendly vehicle, and a more relaxed drive.

If you’re looking for quality car AC repair, Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about why your car air conditioner may not be working and make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

What Causes Car Alignment Problems?

When your vehicle comes brand-new from the manufacturer, it is good to know that the wheels have been aligned, tested, adjusted, and verified.  But, if you have owned that car for very long, you may be noticing that the wheels have lost their alignment.

What does misalignment mean, you ask?  It means that the tires on your car are not pointing in the similar direction as the steering wheel, affecting crucial steering and suspension parts. Not only does this shorten the life of your tires by many miles, but it also compromises the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering what causes car alignment problems?  Misaligned wheels are the result of worn or damaged suspension parts due mostly to poor road conditions.  If you are consistently driving on bumpy roads, hit potholes and speed bumps too fast, run over curbs, or are involved in an accident, your car alignment will be affected.  You will find yourself working hard to drive straight down the road without veering to one side or the other, trying to right the steering wheel!  

Drivers who are inexperienced may not realize how misalignment negatively affects their driving.  It impacts the safety of your vehicle, and adds extreme wear to your tires, suspension system, and steering system.  Remember that a wheel alignment service is much less costly than buying a new set of tires!

Here are several major benefits of maintaining the proper wheel alignment on your vehicle:

• Enhance the handling and safety of your car.
• Increase fuel efficiency,
• Prevent damage to other components (such as brakes and shocks), and 
• Extend the lifespan of your tires.  

Remember to have your wheel alignment inspected about every 6,000 miles.  Or sooner if you are noticing signs of premature tire and tread wear. 

Need to know more about what causes car alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car alignment service and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.  

What Does a General Car Service Include?

Most people have started their spring cleaning.  Don’t forget your automobile to make sure it is ready for the warm temperatures on the way.  Ask your car repair technician about what does a general car service include? It is vital to have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you are driving as safe as possible.  

So what does a general car service include?  In addition to regular vehicle maintenance items, listed below are 8 common car service items:

• Car Battery-- Warm weather means high temperatures under the hood, accelerating corrosion inside the battery as well as water evaporating out of the battery.  You could end up with decreased battery capacity which means a weakened ability to start the engine, and a shorter battery life. The battery connections should be kept clean, tight and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested before heading out on a warm summer day.  A tired battery may want to be charged, or simply replaced.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades normally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. If there is streaking areas of glass, they should be replaced.  
• Lights--Inspect that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you coming.
• Oil-- Normally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index can be used year round as it provides the best oil flow at either warm or cold temperatures.  If you frequently drive on dusty roads, change the oil and filter more frequently than normal.  Also, inspect the oil level frequently
• Radiator, Hoses and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the coolant mixture in your radiator.  About every 2 years, flush your radiator and add new coolant.
• Tires--If you use snow or all-season tires, you may want to switch to summer tires which are made from a special rubber softer in consistency than snow or all-season tires. These tires will increase vehicle performance, but they are more costly and want to be replaced more frequently than other types of tires.  
• Keep your tires correctly inflated--Inspect inflation pressure every month.  Under-inflated tires generate more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely affecting handling and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tire faster.
• Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.

Need to find quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about what does a general car service include and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.