Common Car A/C Problems And Maintenence Tips

Car AC problems can be a nightmare, especially during long journeys and hot weather. Ac's problems can cause discomfort and lots of trouble. An effective car AC system helps maintain cool and pleasant air.  

Car AC keeps the environment humid-free and helps avoid any discomfort due to external weather. But a car ac often starts giving trouble if not taken care of properly. There are a lot of factors that can cause common car ac issues.

Common Car AC Problems: List Of Problems With Air Conditioners

Several factors are involved in the proper functioning of ac, and disturbance in any of them can cause the malfunctioning of car ac. 

Some common car air conditioning problems are:

Leaking refrigerant

A leak in a car refrigerant can happen at any point, so pointing at an exact place needs expert skills. But the most commonplace leakage in a refrigerant is A/C unit hose connections. Accumulation of oil around these corners can also be a cause of the leak. 

The price of fixing an oil leak depends on the place of leakage. You can use a sealant that is specifically designed for air conditioning units, and it is readily available at most auto parts stores.

Blocked/clogged condenser

The condenser of an air conditioner cools down the hot refrigerant after compressing. The cooling is done with the help of airflow. The air enters the car from the front side while driving. 

If the condenser gets clogged due to dust or debris, it will not cool down the air conditioner, and the ac will work by overheating. This will ultimately result in the expelling of hot air.

The best way to get rid of this problem is to replace the condenser. You can also get it checked by an expert. 

Broken condenser

If the condenser is not clogged, then there is a possibility that it is broken. Breakage of a condenser can be caused by puncture due to debris. If you find any breakage, then immediately get your condenser replaced.

Electrical issues

The electrical issues can be hard to detect on your own. You can seek professional help for car ac diagnosis. If an electrical issue or damaged or broken wires are not visible, but the ac keeps malfunctioning, get it inspected immediately by professionals. 

Faulty cooling fans

A fault in the fan of the condenser can result in the expelling of hot air. If your condenser’s fan is not functioning properly, then it might not be able to blow cool air outside. 

The fan’s issues can be caused by cracking by debris, blown fuses, or other electrical issues. Seek professional help to get it fixed. 

Bad compressor

Your compressor is the key factor behind the cool and pleasant air blown out by your ac. If the car is not working, then a bad compressor can be the reason behind it. 

A bad compressor can cause a lot of problems with the air conditioner. Run your A/C system on full blast for at least 15 minutes every three weeks to avoid problems. Damaged compressor due to lack of use is among car ac common problems.

Car Air Conditioning Repair: Car AC Diagnosis

The tips to fix the air conditioner in a car are mentioned above, but here are some other tips and advice that can help you ensure a longer life. 

A little leakage from your cart is normal. This happens with many of the cars and R134a systems that have developed themselves in this race and reduced the leakage to almost nothing. 

Running ac while it is blowing hot air is a terrible idea. This causes a lot of damage to your ac. 

Always keep your car clean. Keeping the car clean and neat will help avoid any unwanted dirt or debris in your car. 

Proper maintenance of your ac is necessary for proper functioning. If the damage is too much, then get it replaced with the help of a professional.

Car A/C Maintenance Tips

AC is a great relief in the scorching heat, especially when you are driving. Driving in the summer heat can be exhausting if your AC is not working correctly.

AC is most needed in the summer and to use it regularly you need to know how to take care of car AC. Proper car ac maintenance makes sure that it runs smoothly and avoids you from having to spend an exorbitant cost of having it repaired at the last minute. Which is something we all want to avoid.  

On an average summer day in India, the cabin temperature can rise to 60 degrees Celsius without ac. Air conditioning maintenance is crucial for smooth and comfortable drives in summer. You might be wondering how to maintain car ac and whether it’s easy,  this blog will cover it for you. Here are a few car ac maintenance tips that you can follow for a smooth-running ac during the summer season.

Best Car AC Care Tips: Top Air Conditioner Care Tips

Here are the crucial bits you should know about your car’s air-conditioning system before you get it serviced. 

To maintain your A/C, here are some easy car AC maintenance tips. Follow these tips to ensure the proper functioning of your ac.

Use it regularly

There is a misconception among Indians that using ac regularly may damage it. However, the opposite of this is true. Not using an ac regularly may damage the air conditioning system of your car. A well-running engine needs to be used daily for optimum performance. Similarly, your car’s AC if not used every day will not run properly and you might have to end up spending money on it for servicing. 

Use it regularly despite the weather conditions. Use it at least once a week for 10-15 minutes. This will make sure that the ac does not accumulate dirt and that the car ac cooling functions efficiently. 

Regular servicing for AC is a must

Machines need regular servicing and proper maintenance to run smoothly. There is a chance that you might miss out on asking for your car's air conditioner maintenance.

Your ac also needs adequate servicing. Ensure you take your car to the mechanic regularly and get servicing for your ac on regular periods. This will also increase the longevity of the machine.

Nowadays, a specialised air conditioning car service is provided at many garages. Car air conditioner repair is also necessary in case of any severe damage.

Also Read: Car Servicing: All You Need To Know

Replace cabin air filter regularly

A clogged filter is one of the main reasons for AC-related issues in the car. The cabin air filter traps the dust particles and pollutants that come from outside in your car’s cabin. Low maintenance of cabin filters may result in its clogging with dust and contaminants, and it will start retaining moisture also. This dust retention can turn your cabin filter into a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. 

The air filter of your air conditioner should be changed every year. This also depends on the type of vehicle you use and the conditions you drive in. So, ensure that you check your air filter for the car ac cooling to work smoothly. 

Also Read: How to change the car air filter?

Avoid pre-cooling your vehicle

While it might sound very blissful to start your drive with your car’s cabin being nice and cool, this is one thing you should avoid. Only turn on your car’s AC once you have turned on your ignition. Because your car's ac cooling system will work much better once the engine has turned on. Plus, you don’t end up wasting any more of your gas. 

Get your AC regularly checked and maintained

Sure, your car’s AC might be working well without any major problems. But what if there are some issues that you don’t know of or miss? This is why, regular car air conditioner maintenance is a must.  A professional will be able to spot the issues that might arise in the future and cause any problems in your vehicle.

Learn to use the Air conditioning system in the correct way

For proper air conditioner maintenance, learn to use the air conditioning system in a good way. Care can’t guarantee a long life of your ac if you do not operate it smartly.

Wherever you enter the car, lower down the glass and turn on the fan blower with a fresh air dial setting to allow the fresh air in your car. This will release the hot and warm air outside and will regulate the inside temperature.

After a few minutes, shut the windows and let the AC regulate the cabin’s temperature. Once the weather becomes optimal, turn the dial from fresh air to recirculating air and reduce the fan speed.

Follow proper steps when you use your car’s AC so that it can function properly. Here are a few important points that you must keep in mind when operating your car: 

Shut down everything

This might not look relevant to many, but it is a very crucial step. Turning off everything in order is essential. The aircon should be turned off first then followed by the ignition. You can let the fan move after switching off the ac to ensure evaporation. This will save your car from turning into a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure you follow the proper steps and don’t exit your car in a hurry to prevent any reduction in your car’s AC and its functioning. 

Parking in shade

Regularly using ac is suitable for car AC maintenance but overusing is also bad for it. Park your car in the shade to avoid overheating the cabin. As the cabin temperature can rise quickly in the summer, parking it in shade can ensure that this does not happen. 

Overheating of the car can damage the engine. Parking the car in the shade will prevent it from excessive heating and help maintain the car’s optimal temperature.

Ventilate your car

Just like parking your car in the shade, ventilating your car is also important. Leave your windows down and doors open and let the car run for a bit on idle. This will cool down the temperature of your car. Besides other car AC tips, remember proper ventilation is necessary for you and your car’s health. Intake and exhaust of the air will maintain an optimal temperature inside the vehicle.

How To Fix Car AC: Fix Air Conditioner In Car

You can fix your car's ac by using a manual or guide. You can also take the help of DIY videos on YouTube for car ac maintenance. Do not experiment with your car as if the issue is significant; get it fixed with an expert’s help or you can go for a car service.

Also Read: Reason behind Installing an aftermarket air filter

Conclusion

A clean car air conditioner is also a must for a hygienic environment and proper car AC maintenance. Maintaining your car’s AC is not very hard. All it needs is proper and careful looking after and it should save you from an expensive trip to your mechanic for servicing. 

Pay attention to other essential factors like a gas filling, blower cleaning, condenser, and Compressor for a long and healthy life of your car ac. 

The condenser circulates the whole gas, and to maintain its chillness, blower cleaning and compressors are also crucial. This will not just efficiently run the car ac cooling but also contribute to the overall health of your car. 

You can also opt for various car modifications for a better exterior & interior look & choose the alterations as per your requirements.

Read More

Beat The Heat: How To Improve AC Cooling In Summers?

Car Servicing: All You Need To Know

Car Care Tips For Summer: Your Own Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Engine Maintenance

FAQs For Common Car A/C Problems And Solutions

My AC is not working in my car. What could be the problem?

There could be a number of reasons why your car's AC isn't working. Some common causes include a blown fuse, a leak in the refrigerant, a faulty compressor, or a malfunctioning fan. It's best to take your car to a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

What are the causes of car AC not cooling?

The most common causes of a car AC not cooling are low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, a clogged or dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning fan. Other causes may include a leak in the refrigerant system or a malfunctioning expansion valve.

How does car AC work?

Car AC works by circulating refrigerant through a closed system of pipes and components, including a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. As the refrigerant moves through the system, it absorbs heat from the car's interior and releases it outside.

What is a car AC fan?

The car AC fan is responsible for blowing air over the evaporator coil to cool the air before it is circulated back into the car's interior. Without a functioning fan, the air conditioning system will not be able to cool the car.

What is a car air cooler?

A car air cooler is a small, portable device that can be plugged into a car's cigarette lighter socket to provide cool air. They are not as effective as a full car AC system but can provide some relief on hot days.

What is car AC coolant?

Car AC coolant, also known as refrigerant, is a chemical that circulates through the AC system to absorb heat from the car's interior and release it outside. It is a crucial component of the AC system and needs to be at the correct levels for the system to work effectively.

What are some common car AC problems and solutions?

Some common car AC problems and solutions include low refrigerant levels (add more refrigerant), a faulty compressor (replace compressor), a clogged or dirty air filter (clean or replace air filter), a malfunctioning fan (replace fan), or a leak in the refrigerant system (repair leak and refill refrigerant).

How can I prevent car AC problems?

Regular maintenance and inspection of the AC system can help prevent car AC problems. This includes checking refrigerant levels, replacing air filters, cleaning condenser coils, and having the system inspected by a professional mechanic on a regular basis.

How often should I clean my car AC filter?

It is recommended to clean or replace your car AC filter every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or once a year.

What is air conditioner maintenance?

Air conditioner maintenance involves regular cleaning, servicing, and inspection of your car's air conditioning system to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts longer.

How can I make my AC work better in my car?

To make your AC work better in your car, park in the shade, use a sunshade on the windshield, roll down the windows before turning on the AC, and clean or replace the AC filter regularly.

How do I clean my car's AC filter?

To clean your car AC filter, locate the filter behind the glove box, remove it, and clean it with compressed air or a soft brush. If it is too dirty, replace it.

How do I clean my car's air conditioner?

To clean your car's air conditioner, turn off the engine, remove the cabin air filter, clean the evaporator coil with a foaming cleanser, and reassemble the components.

Is it necessary to service my car's AC every year?

It is recommended to service your car AC every year to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs in the future. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your car's air conditioning system.