4 Signs Your Car’s Air Conditioning Needs Repair

We get it; it’s freezing out. No way you’re getting in your car in February and thinking, I NEED MY AIR CONDITIONER ON. It’s the exact opposite. Still, in a matter of weeks, a few sunny days, you might reach for that nob only to realize your AC is not working the way you want it.

Take into consideration the weather conditions of these last few years. It’s as if we don’t get a spring anymore. We come right out of a frigid spell, and jump right into the 80’s so fast we’re getting whiplash. It’s sure to be a warmer spring and even hotter summer and all it takes is ONE of those brutal days, where you can’t even get in your car without sticking to the seat before you put the key in the ignition for you to realize you may have waited too long to get your Air Conditioning checked out.

Think about it; you knew it was coming. You could see the signs, but at the time it was nothing an open window wouldn’t cure, and you figured you’d ride it out, but here we are.

Just in case you’re not 100% sure here are
4 signs that your AC needs a little TLC.

1) Temperature: It doesn’t get as cold as it used to. You get in, crank it up, and at best you get AIR, not hot, not cold but just blowing air. In some cases even that is diminished, so you have two issues, airflow, and temperature. If it’s not getting cold that’s a good indication you have a problem which can be caused by several factors. One of which is mold or mildew that may have accumulated in your system affecting the evaporator preventing cold air from reaching the vents. Could be some of your hoses are loose, or you have an issue with your ventilation fan.

2) Noise: If your AC makes weird noises that’s a sign. In most cars, you shouldn’t be able to hear your air conditioning while it’s on. Well-performing systems are relatively quiet. If you notice sounds that are out of the ordinary there’s a problem.

Your system relies on a compressor that pressurizes the entire system allowing the coolant to get where it needs to go. This part operates using a pulley bearing, so if it wears or breaks down, it’s going to make a squealing or grinding sound a good sign it needs to be replaced.

A clutch is part of the compressor, and this can most certainly wear over time. You might hear a rattling sound or something similar, which indicates that the piece needs replacing. With any luck, it’s a part and not the entire thing, but you will need to have it checked at Moe’s Auto service center to find out.

3) Odor. If you start to smell something coming from the vents that is a problem. Some circumstances can cause a nasty smell in the system. A few examples are mold which accumulates in the evaporator case or a dirty cabin filter which will need replacing if they become an issue.

4.) Water. If you notice water in the cabin while you’re running the AC that’s an issue. The system is designed to drain OUT Of the car and NOT inside the vehicle, that means that something may be blocked and it needs to be handled right away. This is more than likely caused by a blocked drain. Needless to say, these are things that need to be repaired.

As with all your automobile questions, there is no better resource than Moe’s, Northboro Auto Service Center
269 Main Street
Northboro, MA 01532
P:(508) 393-3225
F:(508) 393-3233

Call us with your questions, and schedule an appointment anytime.

Best,

Moe