Among several systems you never want to deal with issues regarding your vehicle, your car’s air conditioning is a top example. Not only does it lead to discomfort when you’re in the car during the hot summer, but it can also lead to other related vehicle concerns as well.
At Tip Top Transmissions, we’re proud to offer the very best car AC repair services and other auto repair solutions for clients around Salt Lake City. Here’s a primer on car AC issues and repairs – the kinds of issues that may arise in your car’s AC over time, plus some situations where DIY maintenance is often enough to avoid or remedy these issues, and some other instances where professional car AC repair service might be recommended.
Warm Air Coming From AC Vents
One of the most common signs that your car’s AC is in need of repair is warm air coming from the vents when you turn it on. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a clogged condenser.
In some cases, simply replacing the cabin air filter can solve this issue. Many vehicle owners can do this on their own, as it simply requires locating the filter, removing it and replacing it with a new one. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to bring your car in for professional inspection and repairs.
No Air Coming From AC Vents
A more severe issue is when no air whatsoever is coming from your vents, despite them being turned on. There can be a few causes of this:
- Blown fuse: This is one of the most common reasons why the AC system stops working. The fuse may have blown if there was a power surge or if it’s simply old and needs to be replaced.
- Faulty fan: If the fan that blows air into your car’s cabin is not functioning properly, no air will come out of the vents.
- Broken blower motor: The blower motor is responsible for circulating cold air throughout your vehicle. If it breaks down, you’ll notice warm or no air coming from your vents.
To diagnose these issues and make necessary repairs, it’s best to bring your car into an experienced auto repair shop like Tip Top Transmissions. Our team has the expertise and advanced equipment to quickly identify and fix any AC-related problems in your car.
Mildew Odor
In cases where you turn on your AC and get hit with a musty, unpleasant smell, it’s likely that mildew has accumulated in the system. This can be caused by stagnant water or debris buildup in the air filters or evaporator core. In this situation, simply changing the cabin air filter and using an antimicrobial spray to clean out the system should solve the issue.
If it persists, it’s best to have a professional inspect and clean your car’s AC system.
Floorboard Water
If you have begun to notice water building up on the floorboards of your vehicle, this could be due to a combination of bacteria and condensation from the AC system. This can be prevented by regularly changing your cabin air filter and having your system cleaned by a professional.
However, if these issues are severe and mold has developed, it’s important to have a professional address the issue and sanitize your vehicle.
Air Flips from Cold to Hot While Driving
What if your car’s AC appears to be working fine, but while driving, the air suddenly flips from cold to hot? This could be caused by a faulty expansion valve, which is the component in charge of dispensing refrigerant to the evaporator coils.
This will cause these coils to freeze, causing a blockage and leading to the sudden change in air temperature. The expansion valve will need to be replaced by a professional to solve this issue.
Loud Noises When AC Turns On
If you have begun to hear rattling, banging or other strange sounds when you turn on your car’s AC, there could be a few culprits:
- Leaves or debris blocking unit: One of the simplest solutions is to simply remove any leaves or debris that may be blocking the AC unit.
- Loose or broken fan blades: This will require professional repair or replacement of the fan blades.
- Worn out compressor: If the compressor is worn out, it can make loud noises and will need to be replaced.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your car’s air conditioning, don’t hesitate to bring it in to Tip Top Transmissions for expert diagnosis and repairs. Our team has decades of experience working on all types of vehicle AC systems, so you can trust that we’ll get your AC running smoothly again in no time. Don’t let a faulty car AC ruin your summer – contact us today for these or other auto repair services around SLC!