It's natural to want everything in our automobiles to work smoothly and efficiently all of the time. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible—certain difficulties and troubles arise regardless of how well your car is maintained or how new its parts are. One such issue is air conditioning problems, which occur when one of your air conditioning components (whether the A/C unit itself or another part of the system) fails to function properly or entirely fails. Here are some of the most common AC problems and what you can do about them.
Coolant Level Is Low
It's critical to monitor your car's coolant level, especially during the summer. A low coolant level can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Simply open your car's hood and locate the coolant reservoir to check your coolant level. The coolant level should be at or near the full line. If it isn't at that level, add extra coolant until it is.
Drive for only a few kilometers with a low coolant level. If you do, you risk severe engine damage or a breakdown. Check your coolant level before leaving and top it off if necessary. However, it is critical not to overfill your car's cooling system because doing so might cause air bubbles that restrict coolant circulation or cause water leaks. Allow some time for any surplus fluid to drain before driving again if you overfill your vehicle.
A filthy blower wheel
A filthy blower wheel is one of the most common problems that automobile owners confront with their air conditioner. The blower wheel circulates air, so when it becomes clogged with dust and debris, it can't do its function as well. This problem is usually easy to detect because you will notice decreased air flow from your vents. Simply remove the blower wheel from the vehicle and clean it using a brush or compressed air.
If you are unable to remove all of the dust from your blower wheel, or if it begins to exhibit wear as a result of use, you should replace it. Your car's parts dealer can assist you in locating a compatible unit. Once installed, test your entire air conditioning system by setting your thermostat to an extremely high temperature. The compressor should activate and rapidly chill your interior. When this occurs, switch off your air conditioner, lower your thermostat, and go for a drive. Throughout the drive, keep an eye on your vents. They should be blowing cold air at maximum force.
Capacitor failure
A faulty capacitor is one of the most prevalent problems with automotive air conditioners. Because the capacitor is in charge of supplying electricity to the compressor, if it fails, the entire system can fail. If your air conditioner starts producing unusual noises or does not turn on at all, you have a faulty capacitor. If you feel your automobile has a bad capacitor, bring it to the RS Service Centre to be checked out by our experts.
If your mechanic discovers a faulty capacitor, you must replace it; however, you can purchase a new one at your local auto parts store. Most people can tackle changing a car air conditioner capacitor on their own with basic DIY tools. If you're not sure what you're doing or simply want to ensure that it's done correctly, take your car to an A/C repair shop like RS Service Centre.
Awful Thermostat
One of the most common problems with automotive air conditioners is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat is in charge of regulating the flow of coolant, so if it fails, your air conditioner will suffer. A bad thermostat can be identified by the AC not blowing cold air, the engine overheating, or weird noises coming from the engine bay. If you suspect your thermostat is malfunctioning, take your vehicle to a mechanic or dealership for evaluation and repair. Because your car's thermostat is in charge of controlling water flow through your engine, it's not unexpected that there are multiple warning signals of a faulty thermostat.
Fuse Blown
One of the most typical problems with your car's air conditioning system is a blown fuse. If your air conditioner isn't working, check the fuse box for a blown fuse. Replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage if you find one. If the problem persists, take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
Compressor Failure
A faulty compressor is one of the most common problems. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant in the system, so if it’s not working properly, the whole system will suffer. You may discover that your air conditioner isn't as chilly as it used to be, or that it's producing unusual noises. If you feel your compressor is failing, take your vehicle to a repair right away.
Some compressors are simple to replace, while others are more difficult. In many circumstances, replacing a compressor necessitates the removal of interior components from your vehicle. If you’re not experienced with DIY repairs, it’s best to leave your air conditioning repair work up to a professional. The money you save by doing it yourself may be offset by damage experienced in an accident or injuries sustained when attempting repairs you should not do on your own.
Expansion Valve Failure (Condenser)
One of the most common issues with car air conditioners is a bad expansion valve, also known as a condenser. This component is in charge of managing the flow of refrigerant, and if it fails, the AC system would lose its charge. As a result, your car's air conditioner may not be as chilly as it should be. If you suspect your expansion valve is failing, take your vehicle to a mechanic who will assess the issue and, if required, replace the part.
A leak in one of your hoses is another regular problem with car air conditioners. Hoses are built to resist high temperature changes, but they will eventually wear out. If you notice a decrease in air conditioning effectiveness, inspect all of your hoses for damage and replace any that are damaged. This should recharge your air conditioner and allow it to blow cold air again. If you've never done it before, you may need to hire a mechanic to perform the replacement or aid you in repairing them.
Evaporator Temperature Sensor/Blower Motor Relay Failure
The evaporator temperature sensor/blower motor relay is a crucial part of your car's air conditioning system. If this component fails, it can cause some issues. The most common problem is that the blower motor will run constantly, even when the AC is turned off. This can drain your battery and overheat the motor. Other issues include the AC not blowing cold air, or only blowing cold air intermittently.
If your car's air conditioning isn't blowing cold air, or if you've noticed a burning smell coming from your vents, one of these issues is likely behind it. Your mechanic can diagnose what exactly is wrong with your system by checking to see whether your evaporator temperature sensor/blower motor relay is functioning properly. If it's faulty, they'll replace it. When they do so, make sure they also inspect any other related components that could be causing problems with your AC as well.
Get Your Car AirCon and Regas from RS Service Centre
A properly working air conditioner is a must-have in any vehicle, especially here in South Africa where the heat can be unbearable at times. But what do you do when your car's AC starts acting up? You come to us at RS Service Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg. When you visit us we'll get your car's air conditioner up and running in no time at all. Whether you need a compressor replacement or your climate control system repaired, just bring your vehicle to our workshop in Sandton and let us do all of the hard work for you. All that's left for you to do is enjoy an uninterrupted drive once again.
About RS Service Centre, Johannesburg
RS Service Centre has over 10 years of experience in providing quality car air conditioning repairs, vehicle service and maintenance services. The professional car air conditioning repair services provided by RS include diagnosis, replacement of damaged parts as well as preventative maintenance for improved performance. With our commitment to customer satisfaction through high-quality workmanship and competitive pricing, RS Service Centre is an ideal choice for all your automotive needs.