So you’re all set for the weekend trip you’ve planned for weeks with the family. The folks are all ready, but you realize your car’s A/C isn’t working properly or cooling enough. What do you do now?
Your car’s A/C can stop cooling at any time and for a number of reasons. However, as a driver, you know what a fully functional A/C means for you, especially during the sweltering summer months. So when it stops giving you the much-needed blast of cool air, it sure is frustrating.
Don’t let frustration get the better of you. We’re here to unravel the top reasons why your car’s A/C isn’t working properly. We’ve rounded up seven common causes that could be overwhelming your car’s A/C system.
If your car’s A/C suddenly stopped cooling, it could be due to one of these eight reasons below:
Common Causes for Your Car’s A/C Not Cooling Enough
Low Refrigerant Level
One of the most common causes for a malfunctioning car A/C system is due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat from the air and cools it down. When it’s low, it fails to cool the air, rendering the A/C system ineffective.
Your car’s refrigerant level can get low due to several reasons. It may be due to leakage or regular wear and tear. If you’re low on refrigerant, you need to refill it to the appropriate levels.
Your car also loses some amount of refrigerant level every year, so if you’re not feeling the chills inside your car, it may be time for a refill.
Refilling the refrigerant should only be carried out by a professional, as mishandling may pose serious risks. Never attempt it by yourself.
Blocked or Unclean Condenser
The condenser is another essential part of your car’s A/C system. A condenser helps the refrigerant cool down by releasing heat from it. The condenser can become clogged with time by dirt, debris, or even bugs. This compromises its ability to remove heat from the refrigerant, thereby reducing its cooling capacity.
To avoid this issue, you should regularly clean your condenser. The most effective way is to entrust the job to a professional mechanic who can get rid of the impurities with compressed air and restore your car’s cooling performance.
Faulty Compressor
When it comes to your car’s A/C system, an important cog in the machine is your compressor. The role of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant and let it circulate throughout the system. If the compressor malfunctions or doesn’t work optimally, it may affect your car’s air conditioning.
Once again, there can be a number of reasons for the compressor to fail. It could be due to a mechanical or electrical issue or simply down to lack of maintenance.
For a faulty compressor, you need to take your ride to an auto-electrical repair shop or to your nearby mechanic. However, only entrust it to a professional, as compressor repairs or replacement needs expertise and specialized tools.
Clogged Air Vents
Clogged air vents can restrict the passage of fresh air into the car cabin, compromising the cooling capacity. Common culprits for blocked air vents include dirt, leaves, and other impurities. Sometimes air vents can be damaged, which may also obstruct cool air.
For clogged or damaged air vents, you may have to take your ride to a mechanic or auto-electrician.
But if you don’t notice any damage or blockage, you can try adjusting the louvers yourself to direct the air in the right direction.
Malfunctioning Blower Motor
Is your A/C system making unusual noises? If so, it may be due to a faulty blower motor.
The blower motor circulates air through the A/C system and your car cabin. Any damage to the motor and your car’s cooling capacity will be affected.
Apart from noises from the A/C, inconsistency and weak airflow may also signify a faulty blower motor. You must consult an auto shop to repair or replace the motor.
Blocked Air Filter
Air filters filter the air that enters the cabin, removing dust, debris, and other contaminants. In due time, the air filter can also get clogged, which affects the A/C system.
Smelly air conditioning is one of the most common signs of blocked air filters. If your A/C is giving off an unpleasant odor, it’s time to change the cabin air filter. You can follow the manufacturer’s specifications for duly replacing cabin air filters to maintain optimal cooling in your car.
Other Electrical Issues
Electrical issues like faulty wiring can also cause problems with your car’s A/C system. Your cabin cooling system comprises a compressor, blower motor, and other components. Any issue with one of these, or improper connection between components, can hamper the proper cooling inside the cabin.
You must take your vehicle to the garage if you suspect any electrical issues in your car’s A/C. Consult with a certified auto-electrician near you to resolve electrical wiring issues.
In Conclusion
Now that you’re privy to the common causes for the inefficiency of your car’s A/C system, you can do well to diagnose any issues before embarking on that cross-country road trip.
Address the issues beforehand by taking your car to a certified mechanic and auto-electrician. It’s best to seek professional assistance, as A/C repairs can be complicated and require an expert touch.
At AutoImports of Denver, we’re European car specialists with over three decades of experience. You can rely on our certified mechanics, from basic oil changes to complex electrical repairs, including A/C and cooling systems repair.
Never let cooling be a deterrent for your road trips! Bring your car to AutoImports of Denver and get ‘showroom-condition’ performance from your vehicle – every time.