OKC Auto Works

Why Did My Air Conditioning Fail?

There’s nothing worse on a sweltering day than turning on the air conditioning unit in your car and experiencing a problem. You’re expecting cold air to blow through but instead there is a blast of warm air or no air at all. What is going on?

There are several reasons your air conditioning could be on the fritz. Here are some common problems, brought to you by all of us here at OKC Auto Works . In  Oklahoma City ,  OK , it can get hot, so having your A/C in good operating shape is crucial.

Warm Air is Never a Hot Idea (Unless it's Winter)

This could mean there is a refrigerant leak, a clogged condenser or an electrical problem. Refrigerant is used in the A/C unit to cool the car. If there is a leak in the system, the refrigerant will evaporate. A similar problem will occur if the condenser is clogged with dirt from the road. In this case, you can wash it off with a little soap and warm water. There could also be an electrical problem with a switch or wire causing the unit to stop working or even a weak battery.

Odors Coming From your Vents is a Stinky Proposition

What’s that moldy, musty smell coming from your A/C unit? No, it’s not a dirty sock. It’s probably mildew growing and is a common problem. It can happen when you run the system on the recirculate mode. To prevent this, remember to alternate between fresh air and recirculate. Before switching off your car, turn off the a/c and run the fan for about two minutes to dry out the system. Your car professional can also flush out the evaporator. You might want to check to see if the cabin filters need to be changed. They can become filled with dust and dirt as well as mildew.

Loud Noises When the A/C is On

If you hear loud noises when the A/C is on, your compressor might need replacement. It is an important component of the system. There are usually a few warning signs when it begins to break down such as failing intermittently. Since the compressor pressurizes and distributes coolant, it can affect the A/C system. You can try to prolong the life of the compressor by running it once a month for about 10 minutes during the off-season.

There is nothing like being in a hot car without air conditioning. Nobody likes driving in uncomfortable conditions and it could lead to taking your attention off of driving safely.

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Sources: CNN, DIY.com and MSN