You’re driving along and it’s getting a little toasty. We don’t get hot in Palmer like they do in Las Vegas, but you still want to be comfortable in your car. You turn on the air conditioner and wait in anticipation for the refreshing cold air to start blowing through the vents. The only problem is, it doesn’t. The air doesn’t cool down – at all. What’s going on? Demore’s Automotive has a pretty good idea of what the problem is. Here is a breakdown of common issues with auto AC systems.
The Issue Just Discussed
If you cannot feel cold air coming out of the vents, your vehicle’s AC system likely has a refrigerant problem. The issue could be a leak somewhere in the system and you’re losing refrigerant or the refrigerant levels are low because of natural evaporation that happens over time. Check your owner’s manual to see when your AC system needs a charge and if you’re overdue, have that done.
Other Common AC Problems
No cold air is only one problem automobile air-conditioning systems face. You may also
- Not feel any air coming out of the vents at all
- Feel cool air but not refrigerated air
- Smell musty odors once you turn on the AC
- Hear strange noises, such as clunking or squealing
- End up with water on your vehicle’s floorboards
Let’s break these down further. If you don’t have any air coming out of your vehicle’s dashboard vents at all, there could be an issue with the blower motor or ventilation. For example, if the blower motor’s fuse is blown, it won’t operate because it isn’t getting any electricity, and if the airflow vents are caked with dirt and grime, you might not have any airflow into the cabin.
Low AC refrigerant can also make the air feel cooler than the air outside but not as cold it normally feels when you flip on the AC. Musty and unpleasant odors are a sign of dirt, grime, and bacteria buildup in your vehicle’s AC and ventilation systems. If you hear odd noises, something could be going wrong with the compressor or condenser. Finally, water on your floorboards usually leaks from the evaporator coil.
Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, is a full-service automotive shop and that includes auto AC maintenance and repair. If you’d like us to take a look at your vehicle’s air-conditioning system, call us to set up an appointment today.
