Auto AC Service: Stay Cool!
Most people are ready for some warmer weather. Now is the time to get your vehicle ready for the rising temperatures on the way with auto AC service. During the cold temperatures of winter, your heating unit received a lot of use. It may simply need fresh coolant added to the radiator so you’re not wondering about the reasons why your car AC is not cooling you down.
It’s important to keep your AC in tip-top shape as a repair can be expensive. With the introduction of computerized parts, today’s A/C system is more complex than in the days of “do-it-yourself” vehicle maintenance. Air conditioning systems work on the principle that when the refrigerant is compressed and cooled, then allowed to expand again, it will get very cold. Most cars today use the refrigerant R-134a which requires certain operating temperatures and pressures to cool correctly so most air conditioning systems work the same no matter what the make or model of vehicle.
If your AC’s compressor isn’t able to create a high enough pressure in the system then the refrigerant will not properly cool when it is allowed to expand through the expansion valve or orifice tube. Also, if there is a clog or block in the system, the high-pressure refrigerant may be allowed to slowly decompress through the clog which won’t create the proper cooling effect. A certified mechanic can determine how much pressure is in the compressor and will be able to tell you if the compressor is worn out and needs to be replaced or if it is clogged.
Another reason why your car AC is not cooling is having too low of a pressure in the system before your compressor. Without enough pressure, the compressor will work too hard to raise the pressure in the system and won’t be as efficient. In many cases, this is a problem simply because the refrigerant in the system has been allowed to escape. Your car’s air conditioner is exposed to the extreme heat of your engine, road debris, dirt, vibrations, quick stops and even the occasional run-in with a curb. All this stress can allow small cracks to form in components or connections to slowly work their way lose leaving tiny spaces for the refrigerant to leak out.
Note to Remember: Schedule a routine auto AC service at least once a year; the benefits include improved gas mileage, a more environmentally-friendly vehicle, and a more comfortable drive.
Need to know more about the reasons why your car AC is not cooling? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about auto AC service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN and Otsego, Minnesota.
Most people are ready for some warmer weather. Now is the time to get your vehicle ready for the rising temperatures on the way with auto AC service. During the cold temperatures of winter, your heating unit received a lot of use. It may simply need fresh coolant added to the radiator so you’re not wondering about the reasons why your car AC is not cooling you down.
It’s important to keep your AC in tip-top shape as a repair can be expensive. With the introduction of computerized parts, today’s A/C system is more complex than in the days of “do-it-yourself” vehicle maintenance. Air conditioning systems work on the principle that when the refrigerant is compressed and cooled, then allowed to expand again, it will get very cold. Most cars today use the refrigerant R-134a which requires certain operating temperatures and pressures to cool correctly so most air conditioning systems work the same no matter what the make or model of vehicle.
If your AC’s compressor isn’t able to create a high enough pressure in the system then the refrigerant will not properly cool when it is allowed to expand through the expansion valve or orifice tube. Also, if there is a clog or block in the system, the high-pressure refrigerant may be allowed to slowly decompress through the clog which won’t create the proper cooling effect. A certified mechanic can determine how much pressure is in the compressor and will be able to tell you if the compressor is worn out and needs to be replaced or if it is clogged.
Another reason why your car AC is not cooling is having too low of a pressure in the system before your compressor. Without enough pressure, the compressor will work too hard to raise the pressure in the system and won’t be as efficient. In many cases, this is a problem simply because the refrigerant in the system has been allowed to escape. Your car’s air conditioner is exposed to the extreme heat of your engine, road debris, dirt, vibrations, quick stops and even the occasional run-in with a curb. All this stress can allow small cracks to form in components or connections to slowly work their way lose leaving tiny spaces for the refrigerant to leak out.
Note to Remember: Schedule a routine auto AC service at least once a year; the benefits include improved gas mileage, a more environmentally-friendly vehicle, and a more comfortable drive.
Need to know more about the reasons why your car AC is not cooling? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about auto AC service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN and Otsego, Minnesota.
