Your air conditioning is a vital part of your vehicle, especially as we move toward the hotter months of the year. There’s nothing worse than getting into your Silverado or Colorado after a long day’s work to find out that you can’t get your cabin down to a comfortable temperature because your AC is blowing out lukewarm air. Luckily, there’s usually a simple explanation for AC problems that you can put right. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues with air conditioning systems.
Air Filter Needs Changing
The air filter plays an important role in your AC system by preventing dirt and debris from getting into your cabin. Over time, however, it gets clogged up. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your car’s air filter after 15,000 miles of driving, which is about once a year. If you don’t perform this maintenance task regularly, your filter can become clogged with dirt, which weakens your AC.
A simple way to test whether your air filter is the problem is to turn your AC up to its max setting. Then, switch it between low and high settings a few times. If the amount of air coming out of your AC doesn’t change much, you could be dealing with a blocked air filter. Air filters are located in different places, depending on the model you’re driving, but they’re often found in the glove box. If you need help replacing your filter, stop by our Lewisville service center, and we’ll take care of it in a few minutes.
Refrigerant Is Leaking
Air conditioning systems work with a fluid called refrigerant. It helps cool the air before it’s blown into your cabin to cool you down. Your AC system is closed, meaning no refrigerant should escape it. However, hoses and connections can wear out over time. If you inspect your AC system and notice oily residue on any of the hoses or connections, you’re probably dealing with a refrigerant leak. You may also notice fluid on the ground under your engine if your refrigerant is leaking.
If you don’t immediately see a leak but want to be absolutely sure, you can pump a dye through your AC system to detect microscopic leaks that may not be noticeable. To do this, you’ll need to use a UV test kit. We’d be happy to perform this test for you at our service center if you don’t feel confident carrying it out yourself.
The AC Compressor Has Broken Down
The AC compressor is responsible for compressing refrigerant before it reaches the condenser. If the compressor stops working, your AC system won’t be able to transfer enough refrigerant through the system. As a result, the air won’t be properly cooled. Unfortunately, a broken compressor can result in a complex repair job, as it may require repairing or replacing other parts of your AC system.
If you’ve checked out the more straightforward potential problems with your AC and found that none of them apply, you should book a service appointment with one of our experts to examine your compressor. We’ll ensure it’s getting power so we know the issue isn’t with the wiring. We’ll also ensure the belt and clutch are working properly. We may need to flush your AC system to remove any debris the broken compressor has produced. If other parts of the system are damaged, we’ll need to replace them.
Other Possible Issues
Your AC issue may be associated with the condenser. This piece of equipment is typically found in front of the radiator is responsible for condensing the air so it cools down before it’s pumped into the cabin. The condenser struggles to work properly if debris gets inside. Debris can come from worn parts or external sources, such as dirt from the road or leaves.
Electrical problems can also affect your AC. These may relate to the computer system in the cabin that you use to adjust your AC. Another source of electrical problems is the fuse and wiring on your AC. Finally, the blower motor that transfers cool air into your cabin could be faulty and require replacing. Due to the complexity of your vehicle’s electrical systems, you’ll need to call on a professional auto technician to resolve the issue.
A final problem that can trigger just about all the other issues we’ve mentioned is if moisture gets into the system. This can cause your hoses to deteriorate, your compressor to break down, or your electric wiring to become damaged. Moisture may get into the system due to leaks from other components, deteriorating parts, or other sources.
Get Your Air Conditioning Put Right at Huffines Chevy Lewisville
If you’re looking for a reliable and professional service team to get to the bottom of your AC problem, our Chevy service center should be your first stop. Located conveniently near Dallas, our service center has the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose what’s causing the problem and put it right. While you’re visiting our dealership, our service team can perform a full inspection of your vehicle to make sure all maintenance tasks are up to date, including engine oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-ups.
If you decide to schedule a service appointment at Huffines Chevrolet, don’t forget to check out our service and parts specials. These incentives include discounts on replacement parts and special prices for labor. We’ve designed our specials to help you save money while keeping your Camaro or Travis in top condition. We update our specials regularly, so it’s well worth checking back often.
Do you still have questions about your AC or any other maintenance issue? Don’t hesitate to contact our Chevy dealership today. Our service and parts teams work with all vehicles from across Chevy’s extensive lineup on a regular basis and are familiar with the specifics of each one. We’d be happy to advise you by phone or assist you in person if you drop by our Lewisville dealership to make a service appointment.