Air conditioning is something that you take for granted until it’s not there. It’s hot in summer, and you don’t want to be trapped in a car that blows hot air through the vents. Or worse, a car without air conditioning at all.
Ohio is well-known for its mild summer temperatures of around 80 degrees. However, high humidity can make it feel warmer and stickier. In hot weather, it is not only annoying but also dangerous. Cars heat up quickly and can become unbearably hot. You are at risk of heat stroke and dehydration.
Children, seniors, and those with compromised health are at greater risk. Make sure you have your air conditioner in working order this summer. This means that if you are driving this summer, you will need to have your mechanic check it out before you go.
WHY AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT WORKING
Air conditioners can fail for many reasons, just like other things under the hood. What to look out for will help you identify the problem and determine what next steps to take. Let’s take a look at five reasons why your car’s A/C may have stopped working.
1. YOUR CAR HAS A REFRIGERANT LEAK
This is the leading cause of car A/Cs failing to work. There are many reasons why leaks may occur. It could be due to rubber seals or hoses deteriorating over time and allowing Freon to escape. This is a bigger problem than not having cool air in your vehicle. Weak spots can allow moisture to enter your cooling system and mix with your refrigerant. Mixing Freon and moisture can create a harmful acidic mixture that can cause permanent damage to your A/C system.
You want to fix this quickly, just like any other type of leak.
2. YOUR COOLING FANS ARE BROKEN
Your car’s cooling fans are just like the blowers that push your air conditioner through your home’s vents. If the fans are not working properly, there will be no airflow.
There are many reasons why cooling fans may stop working properly. They could have blown fuses or been shorted by an electric current. This is a simple fix that your mechanic should be capable of replacing quickly to get you back on the road.
3. THERE’S A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPRESSOR
The air conditioner is dependent on the compressor to keep it moving. If the compressor doesn’t work properly, the refrigerant won’t move around. A compressor can go bad if it isn’t used for long periods. Many Ohioans don’t use their air conditioner for months because of the long cool seasons in fall and winter.
If the clutch gets stuck, a compressor can have serious problems. It can cause your air conditioner to stop working if the clutch is stuck in either the “on” or “off” positions. Your mechanic will need to diagnose the problem.
4. YOUR CONDENSER IS WRONG
The condenser is an important component. It takes humid air from the air compressor and depressurizes it. It turns the air cooler. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well, this could indicate a problem with the condenser.
5. YOU HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
There are many things that could cause electrical problems in your car’s air conditioner. You can have a problem with your control module, failed switches, or a blown fuse. Sometimes, a fuse can short out, causing the A/C to stop working. If a loose connection is made, an electrical short can be easily corrected.
Although electrical problems in your air conditioner system are usually easy to fix, the acid buildup can be dangerous and should be dealt with immediately. Acid buildup can cause severe damage to your vehicle and may even require the replacement of the entire air conditioning system. This can be prevented by being proactive.
PLAN A HEAD TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER
There are no warning lights to alert you to issues with your air conditioner, unlike many other systems found in modern cars. You don’t want your problem to develop too late. This can be done as part of your spring tune-up.
It can save you time, money, and grief by having your air conditioner checked before the summer begins. It will help you maintain your cool throughout the summer.
