Have you been experiencing hot air blowing from your car AC lately? It is indeed a frustrating problem to handle, especially in the hot summers of Independence, Missouri.
Hence, it is imperative to include car AC maintenance in the checklist for regular auto maintenance. If neglected, it can become a hassle to manage.
However, you don’t need to worry as we have prepared a comprehensive guide to resolve the issue.
Importance of Auto Maintenance
Before diving into the causes, it is crucial to understand the role of auto maintenance in ensuring the smooth functioning of the car AC. Regular auto maintenance is a proactive approach that saves you a lot of time and money.
You can detect and resolve car AC problems before they become huge. And hence, secure yourself against unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Let’s now discuss the common causes and fixes to bring cool car breezes back to your life.
Low Refrigerant Levels – A Common Suspect
Insufficient refrigerant levels are a common cause of hot air being blown from your car’s AC. The low levels can be attributed to a refrigerant leak or damaged parts.
Although, it is important to note that car AC usually leaks small amounts of refrigerant. This can be fixed by recharging the AC once in a while during auto maintenance.
If you haven’t done that in a long while, refill the refrigerant to enjoy cool air against the summer heat while driving. However, if the levels get low again rather quickly, there’s a major leak that needs to be repaired.
Blocked/Dirty Condenser: Here’s how to Clean it
Condenser is responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant. It can get clogged due to debris, dirt, and insects. This causes a blockage, resulting in inefficient heat outflow.
The simple fix for this issue is to take out the condenser and clean it properly. However, make sure that the engine is cool, and the car is parked in a clean ventilated area.
Now, you can clean the condenser using a pressure washer and soft-bristle brush. We recommend keeping the pressure washer at the lowest pressure, or else it can cause damage to the condenser.
Malfunctioning Compressor – Another AC Woe
A faulty compressor is equivalent to “only” hot air being blown from your car’s AC. Sounds like an important part of the AC, doesn’t it? It is indeed a critical component that compresses the refrigerant to ensure smooth circulation.
One of the common causes of a malfunctioning compressor is the lack of lubrication. An oil leak or lack of maintenance can cause this issue, resulting in a faulty compressor. Fixing the leak and ensuring proper lubrication through regular auto maintenance is the solution.
Another cause of the malfunctioning can be overheating of the compressor. Overheating is caused due to a blocked condenser or malfunctioning cooling fan. To resolve this crisis, clean the condenser, and fix the fault with the cooling fan.
Do you notice how the causes are interlinked with each other?
Navigating Across Electrical System Flaws
Damaged electrical components are another cause of the annoying problem being addressed. Let’s troubleshoot the electrical faults so that you never encounter hot air again.
A blown fuse, faulty relay, damaged wiring, and defective pressure switch can result in car AC malfunctioning. Replace the fuse, relay, and repair the wiring to fix the problem. What about the pressure switch though?
Let’s first understand how to detect if there’s a fault with the pressure switch. Use a multimeter to test its continuity and replace the switch if needed.
A pro tip would be to include basic electrical checks as part of regular auto maintenance. This would save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Worn-out Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is often neglected as being an insignificant component of the car AC system. However, it plays an integral role in saving you from a disastrous “heated” ride.
The cabin air filter filters the air from dust particles and pollutants. It can become clogged, resulting in insufficient airflow and affecting the AC’s cooling.
Reduced airflow, unpleasant odor, and dust allergies are indications of a blocked cabin air filter. Are you confused about the last one? Well, if your sneeze count reaches double digits in the car, it is probably due to dust accumulation.
The best fix for the problem is to remove the filter and inspect it. If it is in decent condition, clean it thoroughly. However, if it is excessively dirty, replace it with a new filter. Phew! Now you can say goodbye to hot air, and those sneezes.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
As much as we love to help you fix the issues on your own, there’s a limit to the DIYs (Do It Yourself). Complicated car AC issues need professional experts and specialized equipment.
If your AC is making strange noises, it could be an indication of complicated issues that need to be addressed. Also, frequent refrigerant leaks need to be properly investigated. Simply refilling the refrigerant is a temporary solution, which does no good in the long run.
Moreover, if you notice electrical complications beyond basic checks, don’t approach them on your own. There are potential hazardous risks associated with it.
Keep in mind that your safety and the smooth functioning of the car is our priority. DIY fixes might be cost-effective in the short term, but they can result in disasters, if not equipped properly.
Where to find Professional Help?
It is imperative to find a reliable place to get your car’s AC issues resolved. If you live in Independence, Missouri, forget all your worries because we know just the place for you!
Our professional experts at Ryan’s Car Care offer the best auto maintenance services. Our cutting-edge innovative technology will auto-diagnose and fix all your car AC problems.
We guarantee you the best results so that you never cross paths with hot air from AC ever again! Our experts are here to ensure that this unpleasant meetup never takes place again.Give us a call at +1 (816) 379-7926 or schedule an appointment online today.