Car Air Conditioning Repair in Cottleville: When a Recharge Isn't Enough

It may seem like an obvious step to recharge your car’s air conditioning unit when it starts blowing warm air. While this may be part of the solution, it could be caused by a leak or other issues. Knowing the difference will help ensure you don’t have to visit multiple times and pay unnecessarily.

What is an AC recharge?

Your car has an air conditioning system which uses a refrigerant to move heat from your passenger compartment to the outside air. A recharge will top the level back to the correct level for your car, using the correct refrigerant. It is important that this is the right level as too much or too little can cause issues.

This will not fix any damaged hoses, faulty seals, rusted condensers, faulty compressors or electrical issues. If there is a leak then it would only be a temporary fix.

Signs you may have wider issues

Improves for a short time

You notice the air comes out cool but then warms up again. This could be due to refrigerant being lost. Your technician should look into potential leaks.

Faulty Compresso

The compressor could be faulty or issues with electrical controls, pressure and other issues could be causing it to run incorrectly. Your technician should test to see what is causing the issue.

Only works when moving

Your condenser may not be getting enough airflow, your cooling fan could be having issues or there could be another issue causing your AC to not work well when stationary. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is low refrigerant.

Poor airflow

Your cabin filter could be blocked, your blower motor could be faulty or there could be an issue with airflow. You should check the airflow.

Strange noises/smells

You could have strange noises such as clicking, rattling or squeaking. You may also get musty smells which could be due to damp build up and microbes in your HVAC system. If you get any burning smells/smoke then this should be taken seriously and the vehicle should be stopped safely as there could be an electrical/mechanical risk.

How your technician will find the issue

Your technician will carry out a test. This will depend on your car and what issues you are having but could involve taking temperatures from the vents, checking the correct pressure, looking at the compressor and condenser, testing fans and electrical systems and looking for any refrigerant leaks. Some issues will require specialist tools or take longer to identify.

Pressure tests may not give you the full picture. Your technician should be able to explain what the tests mean. If they find a leak then ask them where it is and what needs fixing.

If they recommend a major component to be replaced then it is reasonable to ask what evidence they have to back up their findings. Ask if they think other components should be looked at. A good explanation will help you understand what options you have.

Can I recharge my AC?

There are some products available to buy from retail stores however they are not suitable for all cars or issues. Using incorrect refrigerant, too much or an incompatible product could cause damage to your system making it harder to fix. There are also safety and environmental risks involved with handling refrigerants. Always follow your car manufacturers guidelines and have a trained professional diagnose and service your car if you aren’t sure what the issue is.

Avoid recurring issues

Keep your cabin filter maintained, be aware of any changes in cooling and get any ongoing issues sorted quickly. Follow your owners handbook and don’t assume every time your car is blowing warm air it needs a recharge.

If you need any car air conditioning repair services cottleville, HI-TECH Automotive can help you in St. Peters and surrounding areas in St. Charles County. Book an inspection and ask your technician to diagnose the issue. They should be able to tell you if it is due to a loss in refrigerant, leak, airflow, electrical control or faulty component. Often it is better to sort the actual cause of the issue.