As spring warms up in Missouri and the AC kicks for the first time in a few months, you may notice odd smells, sounds, or cold air not pumping out. Don’t panic! Here are common problems people have with their car’s AC system and Selbert’s is here to help you work through those problems.
First things first. Routine auto maintenance is key! Having your car routinely maintained can keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and help prevent further car issues, like a malfunctioning AC system.
Hot Air Outside and Hot Air Blowing from AC Vents
Yes, we all know the feeling of sitting in a 100-degree car only to feel more hot air blowing in your face. This signifies a few things to pay attention to.
Refrigerant leak
More often than not, It’s a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is used in many of your car’s AC systems components to cool down your vehicle. Without refrigerant, other parts of your AC system won’t function properly.
Finding a refrigerant leak is not easy to do on your own; in the case of a leak, bring it into Selbert’s Autobody, and we will conduct tests to find the source of the leak. There are a few ways to detect a refrigerant leak; the most common way is to add a special dye to the air conditioning system. This dye is difficult to see with your eyes, but it will glow brightly illuminated by ultraviolet light. To pinpoint where the refrigerant leak is coming from, our team adds ultraviolet dye to the AC system and enough refrigerant to ensure the compressor turns on. While the engine is running, turn on the air conditioning and blower. When the AC system kicks on, watch the front of the compressor in your engine bay for leaks.
Blocked Condenser
A blocked condenser can release hot air throughout the car. It affects the entire AC system in your vehicle. If it’s malfunctioning, there won't be cool air blowing in your car. The condenser ensures that the refrigerant changes from warm gaseous to liquid. A malfunctioning condenser can expose other problems in the car's AC system.
Freon Leak
No freon, no cold air. If your car is leaking refrigerant, your AC system is not pumping out cool air. Without Freon, there is no way to circulate cool throughout your car's cabin.
Mildew Smell
We’ve all known the smell – when you turn on the AC and the car starts to smell a gym locker, that’s a tell-tale sign of mildew. Take a look at your AC’s heater box under the dashboard. As bacteria build up the AC system’s evaporator coil, the bacteria in the airflow mixes with the condensation emitted from the coils, creating buildup on the AC fins, pushing out that moldy smell.
An easy-at-home solution is to check the air filter. If there’s one thing we preach, it’s to check your air filter regularly. Checking the car's air filter is something you should get in the habit of doing. A filthy air filter puts strain on the system; that strain can cause long-term problems, costing more money.
Strange Noises Coming from AC
What was that noise? The first thing you should check for is debris blocking the AC condenser. If there is no blockage, stop using your AC until you get your car serviced. Putting extra stress on the AC system will only make it worse.
If you’re in doubt and unsure what to do, the safest thing to do is to bring the vehicle into Selbert’s, and one of our car technicians will inspect your vehicle.
Request an appointment today to have your car’s AC System repaired because no one wants to be without air conditioning during a hot and humid Missouri summer.
Selbert’s Autobody commits to providing customers with fast service that doesn’t skim on quality. Selbert’s is the best autobody repair shop in St. Louis. Find us at 410 W. 4th street in Eureka, MO,63025.