subject: At Home Air Conditioning Troubleshooting [print this page] Most drivers have become fully dependent on air conditioning for their cars. What was once a luxury option, and only adopted by those who could afford it, has now become standard equipment in a majority of cars sold today. This is especially true in the Southern and Midwestern regions where temperatures can rise quite high in the summer. Humidity is another added factor when opting for an AC unit.
This is also true for drivers in the north who like having AC available when temperatures begin to rise, especially in light of the latest warming trends that have swept our nation. No matter where we live, there are steps we should take to keep our air conditioning units running smoothly.
Regular Service
It is recommended that we occasionally take our cars to an auto service company to have our AC units preemptively checked over. We have options as to where to take the car. Some drivers prefer to use the dealership where the car was purchased for air conditioning service. The other option are the mechanics who specialize in air conditioning repair. These technicians are experts at troubleshooting any problems that could or will occur.
Services Performed
No matter where you take your car for the check up, the mechanic will go over a number of areas. He will check the temperature level of the cold air being discharged through the car's vents. He will also check if the thermostats are functioning as they should. If defective, they will be replaced. He will also check the anti freeze level in the car's cooling system and bring it up to the correct level if it's low. If the existing anti freeze appears to be full of rust and contaminants, it may be time to flush the radiator and refill it wit new product.
Freon Levels And Final Touches
The freon levels of your car can be lower than needed to provide proper cooling. Freon is a gas that occasionally leaks out of the sealed system. As those levels become diminished, the cooling capacity of the AC unit is compromised, sometimes completely. If that in fact has happened, freon must be added to insure the proper operation of the cooling system. The compressor is then checked for leaks and cleared for service.
The last steps needed to complete the maintenance include checking the condition and tension of the fan belts. Signs of wear indicate the belts can easily break in the course of normal use. If they are loose, they may slip and interfere with the proper function of the fan. The hoses that circulate the anti freeze through the system will also be checked for minute leaks or wear that can cause them to break and release the coolant. Your mechanic will tighten them and have your car ready for another season of cold, refreshing air. In conclusion, he will check over all fittings, look for leaks. Before he shuts the hood, he will probably add some windshield washer fluid to your tank. Depending on how many miles you driven each year, you might consider repeating the check up every year or two.
