30 May 6 Signs Your Car’s A/C Needs Recharging
Well, it’s official. Summer is gearing up to be a hot one this year. If you haven’t tried out your car’s A/C yet this season, you might want to fire it up quickly. Don’t wait until the pavement is hot enough to fry an egg before you bring your car in for A/C service. The auto HVAC system is complex, so if you suspect your car’s A/C has low refrigerant and needs recharging, compare your issues with the following symptoms.
Common Symptoms Of Low Refrigerant
Your car’s A/C system operates under pressure, so it must remain completely sealed to function correctly. Over time, this system can develop leaks, creating low refrigerant levels. Your auto HVAC cannot produce cold air without adequate refrigerant, so all leaks require repairs before recharging the system. Below are several common symptoms of low refrigerant.
1. Air Isn’t Cold
The most common problem with auto air conditioning systems is a lack of cold air. If the air blowing through your dash vents isn’t cold, it may be due to a low refrigerant level. The reason for low levels may be caused by leaking seals, broken A/C components, or other issues.
2. Foggy Windows
Your car’s A/C removes moisture from the interior cabin with the defroster setting. To quickly test for low refrigerant, try clearing foggy windows. If they don’t clear up right away, then your refrigerant might need recharging.
3. Leaking Refrigerant
If you notice an oily or greasy residue around your car’s A/C components, there may be a refrigerant leak. Your car’s refrigerant contains a UV dye to help service technicians identify leaks more easily. Leaks commonly occur beneath the dashboard and around the A/C compressor.
4. Only Works While Accelerating
The A/C compressor cannot circulate refrigerant efficiently at low engine speeds when there are insufficient levels. If the cold air increases during acceleration, then your car’s A/C may have a leak or a faulty component that needs replacing before recharging the system.
5. Unusual Noises
Under normal conditions, when you turn on your air conditioner, the A/C clutch engages with a small click. If the refrigerant level is too low, the compressor clutch cannot engage properly, resulting in a repetitive clicking, grinding, or whirring sound. If the A/C clutch does not turn on, your car won’t cool down.
6. Weak Airflow
If the air coming from your vents is barely moving, it may be due to a low refrigerant level. Insufficient refrigerant in your car’s A/C system prevents it from cooling the hot air effectively, resulting in weaker airflow and warmer air.
Auto HVAC Needs Routine Maintenance
Your car’s A/C system requires regular inspections by an experienced auto technician. They look for worn parts, leaks, and fluid levels to ensure your auto HVAC works correctly.
A/C Maintenance Intervals
Most auto manufacturers recommend scheduling an air conditioning inspection for your car once a year or every 12,000-15,000 miles (whichever comes first). Since replacing damaged A/C components can become very expensive if the repairs are put off, keeping up with your routine maintenance can save you money in the long run.
Refrigerant Recharging Intervals
Auto manufacturers typically don’t specify a refrigerant recharging interval. Since your car’s A/C system is sealed, the refrigerant remains inside and recirculates continuously. Some auto experts argue that refrigerant degrades over time, while others claim it should last the life of the car. Yearly A/C system inspections help bridge the gap between these different viewpoints.
However, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, chances are good that your car is losing refrigerant and requires an immediate inspection to locate and repair the leak. The technician should fix the leak first before recharging the refrigerant.
Your Car’s A/C Service, Repairs & Recharging
If you have questions about your car’s A/C or need air conditioning repairs, ask Plymouth Auto & Tire Center in Plymouth Meeting, PA, for service recommendations. If you hear strange sounds when your auto HVAC turns on, or if it’s not as cold as it should be, we’re happy to perform a thorough inspection to identify the cause of the low refrigerant level.
Make A Car’s A/C Appointment
Contact us today at (610) 825-6558 or visit us online to request an A/C recharging appointment.