Car air conditioning difficulties may be a misery, especially on lengthy drives in hot weather. Moreover, AC problems can be highly inconvenient and costly. An excellent automotive air conditioning system is essential to keep the air cold and comfortable when it’s hot outside.

Car air conditioning keeps the environment dry and helps avoid discomfort caused by external conditions. However, a car aircon frequently begins to malfunction if not properly maintained. 

The air conditioning system comprises several components, including a compressor powered by the engine, an expansion valve that controls the refrigerant flow, and two heat exchangers, the evaporator and the condenser. A refrigerant is a fluid that changes from liquid to gas and back again as it circulates through the system. As a result, numerous reasons can contribute to frequent automobile aircon problems.

The Common Car AC Problems

Several aspects are involved in the proper operation of ac, and any of them can cause the aircon in your automobile to malfunction.

The following are some common automotive air conditioning issues:

• There is no cold air from the A/C.

The most common source of this problem is a refrigerant leak. The components of your A/C rely significantly on refrigerant to keep the vehicle cool. The other air conditioning components will not function if there is insufficient refrigerant. A leak can happen at any time, although it is most commonly caused by a hole in a connector, hoses, compressor, condenser, or a ruptured evaporator. Unfortunately, unlike oil leaks, refrigerant leaks are challenging to detect. This is because refrigerant is designed to evaporate when exposed to air.

Solution: 

A skilled vehicle technician must inject the system with a fluorescent leak tracer dye and refrigerant. Once installed, the technician will turn on the air conditioning and, using a blacklight, will be able to locate the leak and commence repairs before eventually performing evacuation and recharge to blow cold air.

• The air conditioner smells like mildew.

Often you will notice on switching on your air conditioner that the terrible stench of mildew reaches your nostrils due to bacteria growth in the system.

This is prevalent in vehicles that rarely use A/C, are elderly, or routinely utilise the highest setting (due to extra moisture in the unit). In addition, bacteria, mould, fungi, and other microorganisms may grow on the evaporator behind the dashboard. This growth emits an unpleasant odour through the vents.

Solution: 

Air filters can accumulate dirt, water, dust, and other pollutants, causing an odour after a while. This problem can be mitigated by replacing your air filter. However, if removing the filter does not eliminate the smell, a technician may need to inject an anti-bacterial solution into the evaporator region to destroy mould and other pollutants.

• Unusual noises from the air conditioner

Any time your car makes a new noise, it could indicate trouble. When in use, air conditioning systems are relatively quiet. When you switch on your air conditioner and hear rattling, banging, or other unexpected sounds, it’s natural to be concerned about the source of the problem. It could be as easy as leaves or other road debris obstructing the unit and causing strange noises. It could also suggest that a critical component is failing. For example, the air conditioner makes a grinding or screeching sound when a bearing wears out. A rattling sound could indicate a faulty compressor clutch.

Solution: 

Continuing to use your air conditioner may aggravate the situation. Instead, take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic for an inspection. A comprehensive check will reveal whether the main component is failing and whether it needs to be replaced.

• Floorboards with Water

Bacteria grow on the air conditioner’s evaporator coil in the A/C heater box located under your dashboard. Bacteria from the airflow combine with moisture from the coils, forming a slimy film on the A/C fins and emitting a mouldy odour. The film accumulates over time and might obstruct the drain line. To eliminate excess moisture, the drain line is a rubber hose that begins in the evaporator heater box, travels through the floor, and ends at the undercarriage. Once plugged, moisture fills the heater box and begins seeping out onto the vehicle’s floor, usually on the passenger side.

Solution: 

If you find your vehicle’s floor is damp, don’t hesitate to take it to an automotive shop for emergency car ac repair. A specialist will need to discover what caused the drain line to get clogged and, if necessary, repair or replace the hose.

Conclusion

Replacing your air conditioner altogether can be an expensive and time-consuming task. Proper ac maintenance and care will help you prevent further costs. You can also follow certain Car maintenance key tips & tricks or car modification advice to keep your vehicle in good condition.