With summer right around the corner, here in Maryland, a broken air conditioning system in your car can be brutal. When your AC stops working it’s easy to panic, assuming you are in for a hefty repair bill or a miserable summer of driving in the heat, but there are a few things you can do to determine the problem, and possibly fix it. Let’s take a look at some different scenarios below.
When your AC is Making Noises
One of the most common air conditioning concerns is sounds coming from the air conditioning while it is running. First, it is important to note that not all sounds coming from your car’s AC signal a problem, some AC systems make a slight noise when running. But, for many cars this is not the case, and any new sounds should be checked out. For any newly developed sounds, several things could be to blame including a belt issue, a compressor issue, or loose bolts. If your car is making a squealing sound when the AC is turned on the serpentine belt is most likely the culprit. To test and see if this is the issue at home, you can simply spray some water on the belt with a spray bottle and see if the noise stops when the belt is dampened. If the noise stops, this is a sign that your belt is ready for replacement. A buzzing sound when running your AC is a sign that coolant has flooded the compressor intake. If you notice a buzzing sound, especially after adding coolant contact a mechanic right away, as this can cause damage to your compressor, leading to costly repairs. Knocking sounds when running your car’s AC signal loose bolts or nuts in your car, and can easily be fixed by simply tightening the loose bolts.
When your AC is Producing Cool, but not Cold Air
If your AC suddenly stops putting out cold air, there are a couple of things you can check at home. First, check to see if the compressor is engaging, if it is is not engaging you can check to see if the clutch wire is working by trying to jump start it. If the clutch wire is not to blame, you can also check to see if the coolant is low, because it will not run without enough coolant. If neither of these quick fixes work, you’ll need professional help.
When your AC is not Producing any Air
If your car isn’t putting out any air at all when you turn the AC system on, you’ve got more than a comfort issue. The car’s ventilation system is not just intended for your comfort, but also for your safety, keeping your windows and windshield clear. If no air comes out when you turn the system on, you’ve likely lost power to the fan that generates the air. If this is the case, a trip to the shop is in order so the problem can be diagnosed and fixed.
Car AC problems are an inconvenience, especially during the hot summer months, but not all issues are as complicated to fix as many people think. If your car is experiencing an AC problem that you can’t easily diagnose and fix at home, schedule an appointment to bring it into Choisser today!