Common Issues With Car Air Conditioning Explained

Getting a regular flow of cold air throughout a car is one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a vehicle.  In the muggy summer months there is really no replacement for it because opening windows only brings in more of the muggy air.  The funny thing is that you only realize how important a functional A/C unit it is when it stops working.  The car quickly goes from being heat relief to a scorching sauna, and driving suddenly becomes immensely unappealing.

As with all mechanical things, there are a number of different reasons why the A/C in a car stops churning out cold air.  Here is a detailed run-down of the most common issued with air conditioning:

The Black Death?  This ironic reference to the bubonic plague that swept Europe in the 14th century refers to the breakdown of the refrigerant.  The refrigerant is a mixture of coolant and water that is spread throughout the car when the engine is started.  A refrigerant breakdown means that the liquid will have seeped out of where it should be kept and begun damaging the compressor and other parts of the car.  The compressor really is where all the damage emerges from, and soon enough particles of metal will spread through the A/C system and wreak havoc to various parts of the car and block the proper transference of the refrigerant.  For anyone worried about the potential for ‘black death’ in their car it is recommended to book an A/C performance check with a local car mechanic.

Weak Airflow? The air might be cool, but it’s so weak that it makes almost no difference.  There are a few reasons why the airflow is so weak.  The first option is that mildew has built up in the evaporator that prevents thorough air flow.  A second potential option is a loose hose.  Usually this happens to the blower hose that is responsible for supplying air to the blower unit.  A third option is a damaged or broken ventilation fan; while a fourth option are broken seals that would otherwise keep the air pressure strong.

Lack of Cold Air? A lack of cold air is every car owner’s worst nightmare.  The most likely cause of this is failed compressor or damaged condenser.  In some cases, vacuum leaks have developed that bring moisture into parts of the car that should never be exposed to the elements.  This can cause serious and costly damage. The gradual decrease in

The gradual decrease in cold air should be attended to immediately.  Don’t wait for the next oil change to get the A/C unit checked at a garage in Longmont or surrounding areas.