How To Improve My Auto A/C

Sitting in a hot car on a hot day is the worst! If you are feeling the heat even if the A/C is running full blast, then there may be some issues with your auto’s A/C system. You can inspect and fix some of the possible issues on your own, or you can schedule an A/C Service appointment with your service technician. Make sure the inspection includes the refrigerant level, the condenser, compressor, cooling fans, and the cabin air filter. With a little effort, the improvement to your auto A/C will have you sitting cool as a cucumber the next time you are behind the wheel.

Routine Maintenance

Scheduling routine maintenance on your vehicle’s A/C System is the best way to maintain a high level of cold, clean air blowing out of your vents all summer long. Your owner’s manual is a great resource for knowing when to schedule routine maintenance. Depending on your vehicle make and model, it is safe to say that your vehicle’s A/C system should be serviced every year. 

Schedule An Auto A/C Service

If you are taking your vehicle in for A/C service, the following items should be thoroughly inspected. If issues are found, the costs for repairs can vary a lot. Make sure to get a detailed quote and discuss all available options (repair vs. replace) with your technician.

Auto A/C Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant is a chemical that goes from a gas to a liquid, depending on where in the A/C system it is. It is a closed system, so in theory, the fluid level should not change. However, leaks happen, especially in a pressurized system. It is a solid practice to locate and repair leaks before topping off or recharging the refrigerant.

Refrigerant Recharge

This process removes all the old refrigerant, which is purified and recycled, then it is put back into the system, allowing a top-off of additional refrigerant if the measured level is too low.

Condenser

The A/C condenser looks like a mini radiator and it is usually located in front of your engine’s radiator, behind your front grill. It can get dirty and clogged, so brushing off the thin fins with a soft brush can improve its performance. If it has been damaged by road debris or a fender-bender, it may need to be replaced.

Compressor

The A/C compressor is the center of your auto’s A/C system. It is responsible for compressing the gas refrigerant into a liquid, so that it can be evaporated again in an endless loop, providing cold air to your car’s interior. The clutch in the compressor can go bad, in which case, your auto’s A/C may make a clicking sound and produce no cold air flow.

Cooling Fans

If the A/C is on and set to max cool with the fan setting on high, but only cool (not cold) air is flowing, check to see that the cooling fans on the condenser are running.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter removes pollen, dander, dust, and other particulates from the air before it comes out of the vents. When a cabin air filter gets dirty or clogged, it restricts the volume of air, reducing the coolness inside the car. Always replace the cabin air filter according to the recommended schedule in your owner’s manual.  Depending on your specific make/model vehicle, and your driving conditions, expect to replace the cabin air filter at least once a year, or every 15,000–20,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Electrical Issues/Fuses

Check your owner’s manual for the location of your car’s fuse panel. Once you have located the fuse panel, carefully inspect all the fuses. A simple blown fuse can cause your auto’s A/C to completely stop working.

Best Auto A/C Repair in Kirkland, WA

From diagnosis to repair, Fisher’s Auto Service, Inc. provides the highest standard of service. If you suspect you have a problem with your auto’s A/C system, trust us to take care of the problem fast, and at a price you can afford. 

Make An Appointment

We can’t wait to hear from you. Let our certified technicians get your auto’s A/C running great again. Call us at (425) 441-3327 or visit our website to schedule an A/C Service today!