In the heat of the summer, the last thing you want to deal with is car AC repair. At Hansma Automotive, we recommend getting your vehicle checked early so you’re not left sweating it out when you need to remain cool. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about car AC repair, including common problems and how to detect them, and what to do next. If you’re looking for car AC repair in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, contact Hansma Automotive - we will make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning system is functioning properly.
Car AC Repair: What You Need To Know
2019 may be the hottest year yet, according to National Geographic. Summer highs can reach mid to high 30's in Southern Ontario, so it’s important to make sure that your car’s air conditioning system is functioning at its best.
If you ignore necessary car AC repair, even short drives can become an uncomfortable experience. Having a properly functioning AC unit is especially vital for the well being of elderly passengers, small children, and pets - all of whom are more susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme heat.
Car AC Repair - Common Problems to Look Out For
Air conditioning failure can happen as a result of several reasons. Here are some things to look out for:
Lack of coolant: Air conditioning coolant is essential to providing cool air to the interior of your vehicle. If your coolant is low, the cool air won’t flow.
Rattling Noises: If you turn on the AC and you hear a rattling noise, your air conditioning compressor may have worn out.
Bad smells: A normally functioning air conditioning unit should not give off any foul smell. If you detect a mouldy or musty smell when you turn on your air conditioning, then you should get it checked.
Temperature Keeps Changing: You may have a broken thermostat. Your air conditioning could be completely capable of providing the desired temperature, but the thermostat is tricking it into thinking it's a different temperature then intended.
Blockages: Leaves, dust, and other impurities can start to jam the air conditioning system.
It’s generally recommended that you get your air conditioning checked every 50,000 kilometres, especially if you’ve done a lot of summer driving and have been blasting the AC regularly. Coolant will be lost over time, and it is good to get the compressor checked.
Here are some more tips for diagnosing AC issues.
Get Ahead of Car AC Repair With Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid getting stuck in the heat is to take preemptive action.
It’s good practice to have your AC checked once a year, early in the spring, to have your air conditioning checked. To avoid multiple trips, have your mechanic take a look at the same time that you get your winter tires removed.
It also helps to run the system for a few minutes at least once a week – no matter how hot the temperature may be. This ensures that the many hoses, valves and pumps throughout the system are kept well lubricated.
In order to avoid overtaxing your AC system, keep this in mind as well - When driving slow (less then 60 km/h), it's more efficient to roll your windows down. If driving any faster, the air conditioning is more efficient. For more, be sure to check out our article on Air Conditioning vs Rolling Down the Window: Best Fuel Economy
Get your AC checked if you’re not feeling cool air or are hearing a rattling noise when
you turn it on.
Trust Hansma Automotive With Your Car AC Repair!
Hansma Automotive has been servicing the Kitchener-Waterloo area since 1987. Our customers have come to trust us to give them the best service at the most reasonable prices. We promise to only do the repairs that you really need and to do them right. Services beyond air condition repair include:
We understand that getting your car serviced can be frustrating, as it can leave you stranded without your vehicle. Hansma will shuttle you to and from work on the days that your is in the shop.
I think Hansma Automotive hit all the things I could ask for in a shop - honesty, fair rates and reliable service. I was informed of all the things that needed to be done to the car. I was provided an estimate preparing me for the worst but was told it could be less........ummm yeah right? Well the work I asked for was completed and LESS than what was expected/estimated! That is honesty - that is what will make a repeat customer. Highly recommend Hansma. - Colin Henninger
Read more customer reviews here.
Contact Hansma today and we will make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning properly.