What Are The Common Causes of Air Conditioning Problems in Your Car

You probably haven’t been driving your car much lately. You wouldn’t have known that you had any air conditioning problems until that first hot blast of summer air hits your face.

While you were stuck in the house (and your car was stuck in the garage), you were probably more concerned about social distancing than car maintenance and repairs. Now that things are getting back to normal, it’s time to take care of your air conditioning problem. It’s also a good idea to get caught up on any other necessary vehicle maintenance you might have missed.

Did Your AC Stop Working While You Were In Lockdown?

You know that your car’s air conditioning system was working perfectly this time last year. It’s frustrating because it seems that it stopped working without warning. Perhaps while you were housebound. Of course, it’s never really that simple.

An air conditioning problem doesn’t happen as suddenly as it seems. As with any mechanical device, wear and tear and deterioration are an unwelcome fact of life. Throughout the year, extreme temperatures, age, and other factors conspire to produce malfunctions. Air conditioning problems occur even when you drive your car every day.

• Metal components and parts corrode.
• Fluids break down or leak.
• Seals, hoses, and fittings deteriorate.
• Dirt, leaves, and debris clog filters and impede moving parts.

Common Air Conditioning Problems

The air conditioning problems you experience are usually related to these simple issues. When your AC system leaves you hot and irritated, the issues don’t seem so simple at all. You need a mechanic who can diagnose the condition, locate the affected component, and make your air conditioner cool again.

Air Compressor

The compressor initiates your ac system’s cooling process. It transforms refrigerant from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas before passing it through to the rest of your system. Problems occur due to leaks, seal deterioration, and system contamination.

Accumulator/Receiver Dryer

This unit filters debris from the refrigerant. It also contains a desiccant that absorbs moisture. This action prevents the moisture from damaging your AC system.

Condenser

The radiator-like condenser cools the refrigerant and transforms it into a liquid. Problems sometimes occur when a hole allows leaks. Condensers also malfunction due to contaminants from the compressor.

Expansion Valve

This valve controls refrigerant flow. In some AC systems, this device is called an orifice tube. Contaminants sometimes cause it to fail.

Evaporator Core

The core is where the stored AC refrigerant chills the air. A fan or blower releases the chilled air back into your car. Problems occur due to leaks caused by deterioration, age, and use.

Cooling Off Isn’t As Simple As it Sounds

The above descriptions simplify a process that is actually pretty complicated. Each component has a job to do. Each has parts that may fail, causing an air conditioning problem. A malfunctioning cycling switch can prevent your AC system from maintaining the proper pressure. Rubber items such as seals, o-rings, tubes, and hoses, deteriorate over time. Fuses and electrical issues cause AC malfunctioning as well.

Even when your system cools the air, a defective blower can prevent cooled air from reaching the passenger compartment. Sometimes your air conditioning problem is as simple as a refrigerant recharge.

Professional Diagnostics and Repair

To understand your car or truck’s air conditioning problem, you need a mechanic with the tools to diagnose it properly. You also need a maintenance and repair expert who will do the job right. That’s what we do at Roggi’s.

Let our skilled mechanics help you get ready to face the summertime heat. Give us a call at (860) 200-3480 to schedule your appointment.