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.  

How Often Should You Get your Car Air Conditioner Serviced?

The warmer temperatures of summer will still be around for a while and most people still want to stay cool and relaxed in their cars.  Your car air conditioner has been getting a work-out and you’ve noticed that it isn’t getting as cold as it should.  Don’t delay in scheduling a car AC repair.  Your car air conditioner will still get a lot of use as you finish out summer.

Wondering, “How often should you get your car air conditioner serviced?”  The short answer is---at least once a year!  And, any car AC repair should be performed by an ASE certified mechanic. Not only will this keep your ride relaxed, but you will also reap the benefits of improved gas mileage and a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

There are several reasons your car AC is not getting cold: 

• The coolant has lost its effectiveness. Fresh coolant added to the radiator may be all that is wanted to keep your AC cold.
• The AC’s compressor isn’t able to create a high enough pressure in the system for the refrigerant to cool correctly.
• A clog in the system allows the high-pressure refrigerant to slowly decompress through the clog. 
• The AC unit is exposed to the extreme heat of the engine, dirt, vibrations, road debris, quick stops, and even run-ins with curbs.  This stress may create small cracks that allow the refrigerant to leakage.  
• 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 and sensors. 

Are you wondering how often should you get your car air conditioner serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car AC repair 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.