It’s April in Phoenix which means it’s hot, and is going to keep getting hotter. Imagine hopping in your vehicle to escape the heat, turning your AC on full blast, only to find that there is no cool air coming out or it is minimal. What a bummer! Not only will you have to sweat as you drive to your destination, this likely means that you have a problem with your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Having your car, truck, or SUV’s air conditioning not work is never convenient, especially in the spring and summer. Is your vehicle’s AC ready for hotter temperatures?
Is your Vehicle’s AC Ready for Hotter Temperatures?
While not having functioning AC in your Phoenix vehicle usually doesn’t mean you can’t drive it, it can make for a miserable time. Before the heat really turns up here in the Phoenix area and the rest of the country, you should make sure your car, truck, or SUV is ready to handle it. Is your vehicle’s AC ready for hotter temperatures?
We are going to review some ways you can prepare your vehicle’s AC for the warmer weather ahead and some signs that there may be issues with your vehicle’s air conditioning that you should have addressed as soon as possible.
How to Prepare Your AC for Hotter Temperatures
- Test the Vents: If your AC is on the fritz, it may not work properly or evenly throughout your vehicle. Turn on your AC at the coldest and highest setting and make sure all vents are blowing cold air. If the vents are releasing air unevenly, or it feels warm, you likely have a problem.
- Give it a Whiff: Run your vehicle’s air conditioning and give it a good sniff. There is a lot your vehicle’s smells can tell you. If your AC smells musty and unpleasant, there may be residue, dust, mildew, and mold built up inside the system, indicating drainage issues. If you smell a smoky or burning odor, that can also indicate a problem.
- Check Your Air Filter: Having a clean air filter is imperative to prevent dust, pollen, dirt, etc. from entering your vehicle’s air. It is also important to make sure your air filter is not soiled with blockages that could cause damage to your AC and other components of your vehicle. Make sure yours is in good condition and clean of any pollutants or obstructions.
Signs Your AC May Have Problems
- Blowing Warm Air: Vehicles should effortlessly blow cooled air into the vehicle’s cabin. A damaged or failing compressor will not be able to properly regulate the refrigerant flow in the AC system, and as a result, the AC will not function properly and will start blowing warm air. If your vehicle is blowing warm or hot air, there is a problem. It could be as simple as the refrigerant being low, but it could also be a larger issue.
- Leaking Fluid: Whenever your vehicle is leaking fluid, it is not a good sign, the same is true with your AC system. Get into the habit of periodically taking a look under your car and under the hood before you drive it to see if there are signs of leaking fluids. If there is liquid where it shouldn’t be, if it is clear and mostly odorless, it could be from the AC.
- New Sounds: Loud noises when the AC is turned on is a potential sign of a failing AC compressor. Much like other accessories driven by the engine’s belts, the AC compressor has several components that make it work. If you are hearing loud new noises when you turn on your air conditioning, it likely has an issue.
- Water Stains: When using your vehicle’s AC for a while, it is normal to see water drain out from the bottom of your car. It is not normal to notice water stains inside your vehicle, as this typically means the AC is not draining properly. The drain on your car, truck, or SUV may be damaged or clogged, causing water to back up inside, typically pooling under the dash and near the front floor mats.
Is your vehicle’s AC ready for hotter temperatures? While driving with your windows down to create some sort of a breeze may be a solution for a broken AC system for a while, it is not ideal and definitely not the same as having a functioning air conditioner.
To avoid a hot and unpleasant spring and summer in your vehicle, ensure that it is ready for the warmer weather, and watch for any signs that may indicate that it is not. Advanced Transmission & Emissions can help with any of your Phoenix vehicle AC needs.
Advanced Transmissions & Emissions aims to make air conditioning repair services affordable for our customers. Air conditioning parts are expensive and vital components in Phoenix. A failing cooling system is never a good thing. We have years of experience repairing AC systems at cheaper rates than you will likely find elsewhere. Our expertise allows us to locate the source of the problem to make only the needed repairs. That’s how we save our customers so much money.
Visit our Phoenix, AZ auto repair shop for vehicle air conditioner repair.
