Automotive A/C Repair & Service
Over time, A/C components can wear, break, or come loose, which can lead to reduced system power or performance. During the hot season, it is better to avoid having an oven for a car, so having your A/C system checked before the warm weather comes is always a good thing to do.
Our certified technicians can make sure your car keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot season. Tires Etc offers quality cooling services so you never have to roast and drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an A/C recharge and when is it needed?
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is designed to have a specific and exact amount of Freon in it. An A/C recharge completely evacuates all Freon, air, and accumulated moisture from the system, and then reinserts the Freon at the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. This in necessary when any component of the A/C system is replaced or the system is low on Freon and not cooling effectively.
What are the most common problems experienced with a vehicle air conditioning system?
The most common complaints we hear with car A/C systems are...
- A/C not blowing cold air
- A/C takes too long to get cold
- Vehicle shakes when the A/C is on
- No air coming out of the vents
- Fog coming out of the vents
- A/C smells funny
Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air?
The most common causes are...
- Low Freon due to a leak in the system
- An electrical issue
- A mechanical issue with a system component (compressor, fan, belt, etc)
When a vehicle is brought in that won’t blow cold air, the first thing done is to hook the vehicle up to a set of special gauges to check the pressure of the A/C system. These gauges can help identify low Freon levels (which indicates a leak in the system), or a non-functioning mechanical component in the system. A non-functioning component can be due to an electrical issue keeping the component from receiving power, or it can be due to a failure of the component itself.
Why is there fog coming out of my A/C vents?
If it’s hot and humid out it could just be as simple as the cold, dry air from the A/C coming into contact with the warm, humid air in the cabin. If the fog persists even after the cabin is sufficiently cooled, it could be a clog in the air intake drain. The air intake is where outside air enters the system before being cooled, and is located at the bottom of the windshield below the wipers. The air intake is built with a drain to get rid of water that gets in during rain. If this drain gets clogged (broken down leaves are the most common culprit), water will remain in the air intake chamber which can lead to water vapor in the A/C system. Removing the clog will usually fix the issue.
Why does my vehicle A/C smell funny?
If there is a weird or distinct smell venting from your A/C system, it could be due to mold or bacteria buildup and need cleaning.
If the smell is sweet or fruity, you should have your system inspected – there may be an antifreeze leak in the cooling system. Even though the smell is sweet, antifreeze chemicals can be harmful to your health.
How do I know when my A/C compressor is bad?
When diagnosing a vehicle air conditioning issue, the vehicle is hooked up to special gauges to determine the pressure in the A/C system. The readings on these gauges can reveal to a technician when a compressor is not working. From there, it must be determined whether it is an electrical issue keeping the compressor from drawing power, or a problem with the compressor itself.
A bad compressor will not hamper the car’s ability to run. The compressor is the heart of the vehicle’s A/C system though, so it will mean that there will be no air conditioning in the car, and it will also reduce the effectiveness of the vehicle’s defrost / dehumidifying system which makes use of the A/C system (even in winter) to ensure the air being blown out is dry, so your windshield doesn't fog up.
Why do I need to replace my receiver drier?
The compressor and the receiver drier are interrelated, so if you need a new compressor, the recommendation for a receiver drier replacement is normal. Most compressor manufacturers will not warranty the compressor unless the receiver drier is also replaced.
If the compressor is fine but the receiver drier is leaking, clogged, or if there is too much moisture, the receiver drier needs to be replaced.
