Air conditioning problems during scorching summers are common in Australia. And the worst thing about this is you often experience issues with your AC when it’s least convenient.
Having a working air conditioner is important for your comfort and health. The good news is that you can take care of it with regular maintenance. If you notice minor issues with your AC unit early on, you can immediately get it repaired and avoid bigger and more expensive problems.
If you have no idea about the maintenance and repair of your car’s AC, this guide is for you. Experts at Car Service Melbourneshare insights on the benefits of repairing AC, signs your air conditioner needs repair and some simple day-to-day maintenance tips.
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Here are some benefits of getting your air conditioner repaired on time:
1. Boost your car’s performance :
The air conditioning in your car is made up of several parts. If the AC system stops working properly, it can cause problems in other areas of your vehicle, like using more fuel.
You'll also notice that the AC doesn't cool the air either. So, your car will feel hotter and stuffier even when you have the AC turned on.
2. Ensures the safety of your cabin:
The cabin, which is the inside of your car, is where you spend all your time driving. If you don't repair your car's air conditioning system, allergens can plummet and degrade the overall air quality inside.
In addition to allergens and air quality, if there's a problem with your cabin filter, pollen could get inside the cabin. This can be dangerous for you and anyone else in the car.
3. Minimise the risks of compressor failure
An AC compressor is an important part of your car's AC system. It's responsible for keeping you cool and comfortable while driving. If you don't take care of your car's AC and fix any problems, it can cause big issues like leaks and blockages.
Fixing these problems can be expensive and time-consuming. So, it's always a good idea to regularly maintain your car and never ignore any issues with the AC system.
4. Improve fuel economy:
When it gets hot and your car's air conditioning doesn't work, the only way to cool down is by opening the windows. However, opening the windows can make it harder for the car to move through the air, which means it needs more fuel.
Taking care of your car's AC system and repairing it when required helps you save fuel and use it more efficiently.
5. Maintain your vehicle’s market value:
To maintain your car’s value, it's essential to ensure all its parts are working well and effectively, including the air conditioner. This is especially true if you live in Australia, where a working car AC is a must during extreme summers. If you ever put your vehicle on sale with a damaged or poorly working AC, you won’t get a good value for it.
Now that you know the benefits of repairing your air conditioner, you should know potential signs indicating it needs repair.
Below are the top 9 signs your air conditioner needs repair.
1. Leaky dashboard:
If you see a water stain on your mat, it might mean that your dashboard is leaking. When your dashboard leaks, it could be because the hose is blocked and can't drain the water properly. The problem of leaks in the air conditioning system can be caused by the passage of time and moisture. These leaks can harm other parts of your car, so fixing them immediately is essential.
2. Leaking refrigerant:
The refrigerant is like a special substance that cools your car's inside. If you realise that even after using the air conditioning for a long time, it's not making things cool anymore, it could mean the refrigerant is leaking. The rubber seals and hoses can become less stretchy as time goes by, and that lets the refrigerant escape.
Moisture can harm the accumulator, receiver, or drier. If your refrigerant is leaking, it needs urgent fixing because it can harm and damage these important parts of your air conditioner.
3. Poor airflow:
If the air coming out of your car's air conditioner is weak, the air is having a hard time reaching the vents. This could be because there is mould or mildew buildup in the part that cools the air, a hose that connects to the fan is loose, the fan itself is broken, or leaks in the housing that holds these parts.
4. AC starts to cool, then gets warm suddenly:
There are a few reasons why your air conditioning system might start blowing cold air but suddenly become warm. One reason could be that the expansion valve is blocked, which stops the refrigerant from entering the cooling part.
Another reason could be a problem with the compressor clutch, which affects the pressure. It could also be due to a blown fuse or leaks.
5. AC is losing its cool:
If you find that your car's air conditioning is not working as well as before, there could be two reasons:
> there is not enough refrigerant or
> there is a problem with the parts that help the AC work, such as the compressor, blower motor, failed switch or fuse, or damaged condenser or evaporator.
Depending on what's causing the issue, it might just need a simple fix or require a more extensive repair.
6. A foul or burning smell coming from the AC:
If you start smelling a foul odour that's like sweaty clothes, it means the filter that cleans the air in your car's air conditioning might be dirty or rotten. Hence, you should get it cleaned or replaced. Changing the filter regularly will protect your air conditioning system and make your car use less fuel.
Besides dirty or worn-out cabin air filters, unpleasant smells can also be caused by a mouldy evaporator case or air vent. This can harm your health because mould can trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. To solve this problem, cleaning the evaporator case and air vent regularly is important.
Further, if you notice a burning smell when using your air conditioner, it could mean that the wires in the compressor are burnt or too hot. The air conditioning system won't work correctly when the wires are damaged.
7. Strange noise:
If you hear a strange, rattling sound when you use your car's air conditioning, it could mean that the belt or condenser that helps the fan is broken. It's also possible that some dirt or other stuff in the fan is causing the noise. Don't ignore these strange noises because they might be a sign of a bigger issue.
8. Leaking oil:
If you notice that your air conditioning system is not producing cool air or not working well, it might be due to issues with parts such as the AC evaporator, compressor, condenser, lines, or fittings. These issues can cause oil leaks from the compressor, which is an underlying problem that may not be visible. If you notice any such issue, it is advisable to hire BCS Workshopfor assistance.
9. Compressor clutch not working properly:
If the compressor clutch that makes your air conditioning spin isn't working, it means there's an issue with it. The compressor clutch only moves when it's necessary.
When the clutch stops moving, it can either get stuck, which means the compressor is always on, or it can break, which means the compressor won't get power from the engine. In these cases, you may need to replace either the clutch or the entire compressor.
Repairing your AC system is one thing and has its significance. However, if you regularly maintain your car’s AC, you can avoid costly repairs and the inconvenience that comes with it. But how can you maintain your vehicle’s AC unit?
Here are a few simple tips:
> Keep your windows close:
When the air conditioning is on, make sure to close your windows. When the windows are open, the cool air from the air conditioner escapes outside. This means you are wasting the fuel that powers the air conditioning unit.
> Turn on your AC once during the off-season:
Make sure to turn on your car's air conditioning once every week. It's especially important to do this during winter because regular air conditioning helps keep the refrigerant gas pressure in good shape. We recommend asking your car service expert how often the car AC should be recharged.
When summer arrives, your air conditioning will still have the right pressure and be all set for those extremely hot days.
> Get regular servicing of your AC done: Make sure to get your AC system serviced by professionals every 2 years. Like other parts of your car, the AC system needs expert servicing to keep it working its best.
Wrapping up:
The air conditioning system in your car is crucial to ensure a comfortable ride. You must check your vehicle regularly to keep running smoothly and prevent frequent damage. It's advisable to conduct a thorough annual checkup of your AC system. It's always better to be proactive and take preventive measures rather than deal with more significant problems later. If you are experiencing issues with your Mercedes, you should consider opting for Mercedes servicing in Melbourne.