5 Common Car AC Problems to Keep an Eye Out For

Summer is a great time to hit the road, whether you’re heading on a cross-country sightseeing trip or taking a weekend to go on an outdoor adventure or see a concert. But nothing can ruin your drive like a faulty air conditioning system on a hot day. Luckily, you don’t have to go far if you are searching for “quality car AC repair near me” because our service department here at The Faricy Boys is always ready to help you get back on the road ASAP.

Because it’s a closed system, your vehicle’s air conditioning doesn’t need much regular maintenance. But that doesn’t mean it will last forever and never have issues. Since the system doesn’t have scheduled maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation, you’ll have to rely on noticeable symptoms to tell you when to bring your vehicle in for AC repair.

In general, you should always bring your vehicle to us for an inspection or service if you notice something out of the ordinary. But it can be helpful to know what exactly you should be on the lookout for. Today, we’re going to go over five common AC problems, their early warning signs, and what you can do to prevent them.

#1 – Mildew in the Vents

While automotive repair can get complicated at times, this issue is pretty straightforward. If moisture builds up within the air conditioning system, then it can lead to the development of mold or mildew. This can cause serious problems if left unchecked for long enough, both for your car and your health. The first sign of trouble will probably be a musty smell. You can try running the heater on high for a bit to dry out the system, but if the smell persists, then you should definitely bring it in for service.

One easy way to prevent mold from growing in your AC system is to keep the intake vents clear. In most vehicles, the intake is located at the base of the windshield. While you may not be thinking about your AC very much in the winter, you should always be sure to brush away any snow that has accumulated here. If you park under a tree, don’t let leaves or pine needles sit stagnant for too long, especially if it’s been raining recently. Use a brush, vacuum, or towel to keep this important vent clean and dry, and you’ll significantly lower your chances of developing mildew.

#2 – Clogged Filter

A vehicle’s AC system doesn’t just alter the temperature in the cabin; it also filters the air so that it stays nice and fresh. This can be a lifesaver if the air outside is smoggy or loaded with pollen. But over time, the particles that are being kept out of the air in your car will build up on the AC system’s filter. Once the filter gets dirty enough, it’s time to get it replaced with a fresh one. If you don’t, you can get issues like weaker airflow, bad smells, and a buildup of dust throughout your vehicle’s interior.

In general, you should check to see if your filter needs to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. That’s a pretty wide range because so many factors can affect a filter’s lifespan. One thing you can do to prolong the life of your filter is to use air recirculation mode when the air quality is bad. The fresh air mode won’t do you as much good when the air outside isn’t so fresh.

#3 – Faulty Condenser or Compressor

If air is coming through the vents, but it’s warm when it should be cold, you could have an issue with the condenser or compressor. These two parts work together to compress the refrigerant and dissipate the heat that is being removed from the cabin through the AC process. These components are generally located under your car’s hood. One thing you can do to minimize the chance of having an issue with your condenser or compressor is to check under the hood now and then for damage.

Issues with these parts can vary. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of clearing away dirt or other debris that’s blocking the condenser. Other times there’s a more serious issue, and you might need to replace one of these parts altogether. Luckily, our parts department is well-stocked with OEM components that will be a perfect fit for your vehicle and make your AC system good as new.

#4 – Defective Fans

The fan is responsible for blowing the cool air through the vents. While an issue with the compressor or condenser will likely result in warm airflow, an issue with the fan would result in weak airflow or no air coming out of the vents at all. When this happens, there are several different things that our technicians can check, starting with the issues that have the simplest solutions.

Just like with electronics in your house, sometimes issues in your vehicle can be caused by a blown fuse. This can prevent electricity from reaching the motor that spins the fan, but it’s an easy problem to fix; we just replace the blown fuse with a new one. In other instances, the motor itself has burned out and needs to be replaced altogether. It can be frustrating when you come in expecting a quick solution only to find that your service will take a little longer. But don’t worry; our service department offers a variety of amenities to help you get through longer wait times stress-free, including free WiFi in the waiting area, early bird drop-offs, Saturday service to help you fit your maintenance into your schedule, and rentals for when you have to stay on the move while your vehicle is in the shop.

#5 – Refrigerant Leak

An important component of your vehicle’s AC system is a fluid called refrigerant. This circulates throughout the system and keeps everything nice and cool. When functioning properly, this is a closed system that recirculates the same fluid again and again. Unlike motor oil, refrigerant doesn’t need to be replaced. However, you can lose refrigerant if your system gets a leak. If you see that a puddle of liquid has accumulated under your vehicle and the air conditioning is no longer blowing cold, then you’ll want to bring your car in to make sure that it’s not leaking refrigerant.

If you do have a leak, you’ll need to repair the leak and get what’s called a “recharge.” Essentially, this is the process of adding more refrigerant to the AC system. Since it’s a closed system, it’s important that exactly the right amount of fluid is added. Because of the precise nature of a recharge, doing it yourself is not recommended, even if you’re pretty handy. Our technicians have specialized equipment that they use to get this process right, so your AC system will be good as new.

Unfortunately, things that cause a leak are often out of your control as a driver. Extremely hot weather can put stress on the system, and collisions or road debris can also damage AC components. The best thing you can do to catch leaks early is to regularly bring your vehicle in for maintenance. At our service center, you can get your whole system inspected by a qualified professional and rest easy that any new issues or worn parts will be discovered so you can act fast.