Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the air conditioner in your car isn’t working? You either have to drive with the windows down to avoid sweating or just wait for the air to cool down before you can get back on the road. Either way, it’s not an ideal situation. To avoid these problems, here are some Auto AC repair Austin tips that will help you fix your car's A/C like a pro.
Check the Basics
The first thing you want to do when you notice your air conditioner isn’t working is check the basics. Are the windows closed? Is the car on recirculate or fresh air? Are there any vents that are blocked off?
Once you’ve checked these things, it’s time to get to work on diagnosing your air conditioning problem.
Replace the Condenser
The condenser is a major component of the cooling system and can be found underneath the front radiator. It's important to inspect the condenser every year during a routine maintenance inspection.
If your car is not blowing cold air, it may be time for a new condenser. The cost of a new condenser can range from $250-600 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Replace the Compressor
The compressor is the part of your car's A/C that transfers coolant from the engine to the evaporator and condenser. As long as your car's compressor is working, it will keep your car cool.
The compressor can stop working for a few reasons: it could be old or damaged; there could be a leak; or it could've been triggered by an electronic component.
When you notice that your car's air conditioner isn't working, you should consider replacing the compressor. The last thing you want to do is ignore a potential issue and have to deal with a broken A/C unit on a hot day!
Replace the Evaporator
If you have a leak in the evaporator core, it's time to call your mechanic. The evaporator core is the metal tube that runs through the center of the car's A/C system. It sits just below the dash and sends cold air throughout the vehicle.
The evaporator core is easy to spot. All you have to do is look for a short line of vents just below your steering wheel. If you see any water dripping from them, then that means there's a leak in your evaporator core and it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
It's also important to know what time of year it is so you can prevent this issue from happening in the first place. Replacing an evaporator core during winter months requires a little more time because you need to wait for all of the materials to thaw before they can be installed correctly.
Clean and Examine Hoses
If you have a car with an air conditioning system, it most likely has hoses. These hoses carry the coolant throughout the system and help keep your car cool.
The hoses are usually easy to access and will be located near the engine or underneath the dashboard. A dirty hose may have oils or debris that could contaminate your air conditioner's refrigerant. When this happens, your air conditioner will need to be flushed out before it can work again.
This is especially important if you're noticing any problems with your air conditioning system or if you notice any strange smells coming from it. You should also examine the hoses for cracks or holes that would cut off circulation in the tube—if found, replace them immediately!
Conclusion
Taking care of the A/C in your car is an essential part of driving. It can be a big help to you on those hot summer days, so it's important to take the time to maintain your A/C system.
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