Automotive air conditioning units are great in the summer time—not only can they filter pollen, allergens, and bacteria from the air, but they ensure your car remains cool. With many moving parts, however, it’s common for air conditioning units to break down.
Top 4 Reasons Why Automotive Air Conditioning Fails
If your vehicle’s A/C system is in need of repair, don’t wait until the hottest day of the year to see a Frederick, MD mechanic for the fix. If your air conditioning is not working, one of these four problems may be the culprit.
1. Electrical Issues
An electrical failure in your vehicle is a likely cause of air conditioning problems. Acid buildup from a battery, for instance, can damage your a/c system’s compressor. This is the heart of your air conditioning system, and it typically lasts at least 15 years. Electrical problems might permanently damage the compressor, or electricity might not be reaching the air conditioner in the first place.
Electrical issues can range from corrosion to blown fuses. Corrosion occurs when wires and electrical parts remain exposed to the elements. Water and dirt will corrode these wires and result in electrical issues in your air conditioner. Blown fuses will mean that a surge has taken place—the fuse will have blown, but the rest of the wiring and appliances will remain untouched.
2. Refrigerant Problems
It is possible for a car’s refrigerant lines to develop cracks and holes over time, resulting in the refrigerant escaping and leaking. No refrigerant, no cooling. In addition, over time the refrigerant levels can become so low that the compressor is forced to work harder when it pumps the substance through the system. This strain can become increasingly worse, eventually resulting in the compressor breaking.
3. Corroded or Dirty Coils
When coils become dirty, with minerals and grime building up on their surfaces, serious condenser problems can manifest. The a/c unit becomes unable to properly expel heat from the system, meaning it will have to work harder than normal to change the temperature inside your car. As the temperature and pressure gets higher, the compressor will begin to overheat. Over a short period of time, the air conditioning system will simply fail.
4. Presence of Contaminants
If moisture, debris, soot, or even acids enter an air conditioning system, they can cause damage. Cars can pick up small debris and contaminants over many years, particularly if windows are left open while the air conditioning is running. These contaminants can cause a system to overheat and fail.
Make Sure Your Car’s A/C Works This Summer!
Don’t be caught out on the road in a heat wave and no A/C. Keeping your car’s air conditioning system properly maintained could make the difference between a pleasant trip or a nightmare.
If you’re experiencing any automotive air conditioning problems, don’t try to fix them yourself. Trust the experts at Ken’s Automotive & Transmission in Frederick, MD to diagnose and repair your car’s air conditioning system.
