When summer arrives and it brings 80+ degrees or higher, it means your vehicle’s air conditioning system will be under a serious strain. If you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, now’s the time. While most newer model vehicles may simply be able to get away with having their A/C recharged, older cars and trucks may require a little extra attention. Here are a few key things that you should be aware of:
- Is your air as cold as it used to be? If not, it could mean your car’s refrigerant may need to be topped off or recharged.
- Is there a foul smell like mildew coming from the AC vents? This could be an indication of mold in the system and will need to be thoroughly cleaned by a trained technician.
- Is there an unusual banging or rattling sound? The condenser or fan belt could be worn out, or debris could be clogging the fan and DJ’s Repair can check this for you.
- Do you have a Puddle or stains from water on your car’s floorboard under the dash? Your car could have a clogged drain hose.
Here at DJ’s Repair Service we take several steps to insure you will be cooled throughout the summer months. First, we will take your car in, and will measure the amount of pressure in your system, and if it’s low, we’ll add enough to get the reading within your manufacturer’s specifications. Our technicians will run your car for a few minutes with the A/C on high and use a special thermometer to measure what is coming out of your vents. If it’s not within the necessary parameters, we will put a dye in your system to check for a leak.
An air conditioning compressor is usually driven by your vehicle’s serpentine belt (this belt should be checked during your oil changes for any cracks or wear marks), because as it spins, it pressurizes the system’s refrigerant. If the belt should break, it could harm your AC and cause more repairs for your vehicle.
Besides your serpentine belt, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your compressor, condenser, and your hoses. These items can cause problems for your vehicle to not cool correctly.
If our technicians find any problems, such as leaks, mold, or worn parts, our service advisor will give you all available options for repairing or replacing your AC system.