Don’t Sweat a Broken Air Conditioner with Auto AC Repair in Ann Arbor

What happens when your air conditioning stops doing its job? You sweat! And you know what that means: auto repair. And in Ann Arbor, it means Complete Auto Service. 

It’s a summer tradition to shed our winter coats. If you live in the South, you might think the North escapes the brutal heat, but think again. It’s just not so. 

While some brave souls ride around with the windows down, most of us are grateful for our air conditioners, even in Michigan.

We hop in the car, turn the air on full blast, and try not to fry the backs of our legs while waiting for the cabin to cool off. And we’ve all suffered the wrath of an air conditioner on the fritz.

Keeping your vehicle’s air conditioning system in good working order is essential for staying comfortable on the road. However, like any mechanical system, air conditioning units are prone to developing problems over time. Here are some common air conditioning problems that vehicle owners encounter:

Why You Need Auto AC Repair in Ann Arbor: It Won’t Turn On

Obviously, if your air conditioner does not turn on, it has a problem. The air is supposed to cool you off; otherwise, you may as well be driving your oven.

What is the problem, and how can you resolve it? Here are a few things you can check:

• Make sure you have turned on your air conditioner. It’s easy to overlook!
• Check the fuse box. You’ll need to replace a blown fuse in your air conditioner before it will work again.

Is the Air Cooling You Down?

Typically, it takes a minute or so for the air to become cold. After that “warming up” period, the air should be cold! Just give us the Arctic blast! After all, it’s got to be cold enough to cut through the hot temperature outside, or what’s the point? This brings us to the refrigerant, or what most of us call “coolant.”

Refrigerant is what cools the air in your vehicle’s air conditioning system. If your air conditioner is not producing as much cold air as it used to, it could be due to low refrigerant levels. In some cases, this results from a leak in the system. However, in other cases, it’s caused by ordinary wear and tear.

A few common signs can indicate low refrigerant levels in your car’s air conditioning system:

• One of the most obvious signs is that your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air as it should.
• You might also notice that the air coming out of the vents isn’t as strong as it used to be or that it takes longer for your car to cool down than it used to.

If you notice any of these signs, you should have your car’s air conditioning system checked by a professional.

Clogged Filters Can Be Fixed by Auto AC Repair in Ann Arbor

Air conditioning filters can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, which inhibits airflow and reduces efficiency. There are some signs you can watch out for:

• One of the common signs that your car’s air conditioning filter is clogged is reduced airflow from your vents.
• Another sign is that your car’s air conditioning unit should be cooling your vehicle more effectively.
• A clogged filter can also cause your fuel consumption to be higher than usual, as your unit has to work harder to cool your car.

So, if you suspect your car’s air conditioning filter is clogged, it’s a good idea to check and replace it if necessary to ensure your unit functions as it should.

Compressor Failure

It might not be your imagination if the air coming out of the vents doesn’t seem as cold as it used to, even with the air conditioning on, the temperature reduced, and the fan turned on. It may be an early sign that something’s wrong with your compressor.

The compressor is a necessary part of the air conditioning system that pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the system. If the compressor fails, the air conditioning system will not function properly.

For air conditioning systems to keep working, they need regular maintenance. Compressors are the heart of any air conditioning system, and failure can often result in costly repairs.

Maintenance to prevent compressor failure includes:

• Cleaning the air filters.
• Checking the coolant levels.
• Inspecting the belts and pulleys for wear and tear.
• Lubricating the motor bearings.

You can prevent expensive repairs and downtime by regularly performing these tasks to ensure your air conditioning system runs smoothly and efficiently.

It’s important to have a skilled technician look at your vehicle’s air conditioning if you are experiencing issues; they can diagnose the problem and recommend repairs.

Bringing your vehicle to a certified mechanic is always a good idea, because a trained, skilled professional knows how to get your car back up and running. The last thing you need in the summer is to get stuck on the freeway and wind up at work dripping wet!

Photo by Cory Bouthillette on Unsplash 

Avoid wasting time and money on a broken air conditioner. Complete Auto Service of Ann Arbor has everything needed to keep your air functioning properly; and best of all, there’s no waiting! Just quick, friendly, efficient service. Don’t lose your cool this summer! Bring it to us today.