
No one likes to be stuck in a hot car, especially when the sun is beating down and the air is thick with humidity. If your car AC is not working, it can be a real pain. But before you call a mechanic and start racking up bills, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself.
The compressor is the heart of your car's AC system. It's responsible for compressing the refrigerant, which turns it into a hot, high-pressure gas. This gas then flows through the condenser, where it cools down and condenses back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then flows through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the air inside your car, causing it to cool down.
Symptoms of a compressor problem:
• Your car AC doesn't work at all.
• You hear a grinding or squealing noise from the compressor.
Repair:
A compressor is a major component of your car's AC system, and replacing it can be expensive. If you think your compressor might be the problem, it's best to take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Your car's AC system is a closed loop, and it needs to be filled with a specific amount of refrigerant in order to work properly. If there's a leak in the system, the refrigerant will escape, and your AC will not be able to cool the air.
Symptoms of a refrigerant leak:
• Your car AC doesn't blow cold air, even when it's set to the lowest temperature
• You see a puddle of liquid under your car
• You hear a hissing noise from the AC system
Repair:
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you'll need to take your car to a mechanic to have the leak found and repaired.
Once the leak is fixed, the mechanic will need to recharge the system with refrigerant.
The condenser is located at the front of your car, and it's responsible for cooling the refrigerant down.
If the condenser is dirty or clogged, it won't be able to do its job properly, and your AC will not be able to cool the air.
Symptoms of a condenser problem:
• Your car AC doesn't blow cold air, even when it's set to the lowest temperature
• Your car's engine overheats
Repair:
You can clean the condenser yourself, but if it's damaged, you'll need to have it replaced.
The blower motor is responsible for blowing the cold air from the evaporator into the cabin of your car. If the blower motor is not working, you won't feel any cold air, even if the rest of the AC system is working properly.
Symptoms of a blower motor problem:
• You don't feel any air coming from the vents, even when the fan is on.
• You hear a noise from the blower motor when you turn on the fan.
Repair:
A blower motor is a relatively inexpensive part, and it's usually not too difficult to replace yourself.
The thermostat is responsible for telling the AC system when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is not working properly, the AC system may not turn on at all, or it may cycle on and off erratically.
Symptoms of a thermostat problem:
• Your car AC doesn't turn on at all
• Your car AC cycles on and off erratically
Repair:
A thermostat is a relatively inexpensive part, and it's usually not too difficult to replace yourself.
• Get regular AC maintenance: Having your car's AC system serviced regularly can help to prevent problems from developing.
• Check the refrigerant level: The refrigerant level should be checked every year or two.
• Keep the condenser clean: The condenser should be cleaned periodically to remove dirt and debris.