6 Signs You Need AC Repair

Few things are worse than getting into a car, expecting the pleasantries of air conditioning but being confronted by humid, warm air.

Even after a mile or two, your vehicle shows no signs of delivering the cool, conditioned air you expect. At this point, it’s clear that you need an AC repair.

Good thing Kanuga Tire & Auto in Hendersonville, NC offers the auto AC repair & service your vehicle needs. Let’s explore the top signs and indicators that your vehicle needs such a service. 

Woman driver has problem with a non-working conditioner, with her hand checking flow of any cold air. Concept image of “6 Signs You Need AC Repair” | Kanuga Tire & Auto in Hendersonville, NC.

1. Warm Air

If you turn your AC on and nothing but warm air comes out, you don’t have to be an auto repair professional to know you need AC repair. But you do need them to diagnose why. 

In many instances, the problem can be caused by low refrigerant, which can be remedied with a car AC recharge. If your car is low on refrigerant, the evaporator core will not reach the ideal temperature for cooling. 

The no-cool-air problem could also be connected to a component’s failure or the accumulation of old dirt or dust in the AC system. These factors can make it almost impossible for your evaporator to function properly.

2. Weak Airflow

Your AC blows cold air, but it still won’t be enough if airflow is not that strong. It’s still as bad—albeit in a slightly lesser degree—than a no-cool-air condition. 

If you notice a significant decrease in the forcefulness of the air coming out of the vents, you may have a clogged air filter or a problem with the blower motor. A weak airflow not only compromises your comfort but also reduces the system’s overall efficiency.

3. AC Clutch Fails to Engage

You should hear your AC clutch engage whenever your AC control is on max coolness. It engages when it receives a signal from the AC pressure switch, which gauges the pressure level of the system. 

If the pressure drops below a certain level, the switch will fail to activate, which means the clutch will not engage. As a result, the AC will be unable to circulate the low amount of refrigerant the system may have. And your car AC will not work at all.

4. Strange Noises

As the driver of your vehicle, you know the sounds it should make. Anytime you hear something out of the ordinary, it can be alarming.

Most noises of problematic air conditioners are humming, banging, and rattling. If you hear any of these issues when you start or run your AC, it could indicate one of the following:

  • Worn bearings
  • Bad blower motor
  • Obstructions in the system (such as debris and leaves)
  • Failed compressor clutch
  • Significant component failure

 

5. Signs of Leakage

One of the most common indications you need your car AC services is if you can see visible signs of refrigerant leakage. For example, a greasy film on your fittings and AC components or pools of refrigerant under the vehicle. If not addressed, the refrigerant will continue leaking until the AC no longer functions.

Discovering water pooling on the floor mats or noticing moisture around the dashboard is another sign of AC trouble. A clogged condensate drain or a malfunctioning evaporator core typically causes this. If left unaddressed, it can lead to mold growth, electrical issues, and damage to your car’s interior. 

This brings us to the last sign…

6. Unpleasant Odors

If you notice a foul smell emanating from the vents when you turn on the AC, this can result from mold or mildew growth within the AC system. 

Moisture buildup, often caused by a clogged condensate drain, creates an ideal environment for these unwanted guests. Not only does this create an unpleasant driving experience, but it can also affect your respiratory health.

Is Your Vehicle AC Struggling? Contact Kanuga Tire & Auto Today

If your air conditioning system is malfunctioning, don’t sweat it! Contact the experienced auto AC repair professionals at Kanuga Tire & Auto. We are a family-operated, full-service auto repair facility that offers a range of solutions for virtually all makes and models. 

Call us at (828) 697-2860 or stop by our shop at 432 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.