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Warm sunshine and breezeless days call for two things – ice cream and A/C. But what do you do if your air conditioner isn’t working? There’s nothing worse than switching on the air conditioning only to find it won’t blow cold. Sure, you can roll down the windows and cruise the streets, but then you risk messing up your hair, losing important papers out the windows, and not being able to hear anybody else inside the car.
Air conditioning is an important component to any vehicle, especially during the warm summer months. A complex arrangement of parts goes into the system which keeps you and your vehicle cool. From the filter cartridge and thermal expansion valve to the evaporator coil and centrifugal fan. There are many places your cooling system could be ailing.
Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner fails, and could impact more than your comfort. An overheated vehicle is cause for concern, especially on long drives when you’re at the mercy of your automobile to get you where you need to be. Fortunately, AA Auto Kirkland specializes in air conditioning and can get your unit back in business before you hit the road next.
Although your air conditioner can tank at any moment without notice, there are usually signs that something’s wrong before it goes. The general rule of car care is anything out of the ordinary should be reported to a mechanic as soon as possible. There are some specific issues to watch for when it comes to air conditioning failure, however. For example:
Strange Smells: Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant and a specific oil which transitions the liquid into a gaseous state. This is what helps cool the passenger area of a vehicle. Unfortunately, too much of one and not enough of the other may cause odors. Other issues in your ventilation system could also be the culprit of bad smells. Either way – if you notice a strange scent in your vehicle, it’s time to call for A/C inspection.
Warm Air: If your dials are turned to cold, the air conditioner is engaged, and your vehicle is still running hot – there’s a problem. The combination mentioned above, with coolant and oil, should alter the temperature in your vehicle within moments. Warm air blowing while the A/C is engaged means something is wrong with your unit.
Strange Noise: Any unfamiliar noise your vehicle makes should warrant a visit to a certified mechanic. If the sound is coming from your ventilation system, it could be a problem with the air conditioning and heating system. This is an important component in your vehicle, so having it looked at right away is always the best plan of action.
Moisture: Your ventilation system should never blow moist air into your face. If you’re finding the air is too moist or your vents have condensation forming on them, you’re A/C is malfunctioning. It could be that the air isn’t getting cool enough, or that the liquid to gas transition isn’t occurring as planned within the cooling system.
If you notice any of these problems, contact your mechanic for an A/C inspection. Catching air conditioning issues early means less ongoing damage to the system. Waiting on repair could further damage crucial components and make repair more lengthy and expensive in the end.
The AA Auto Kirkland is more than just an auto shop – it’s part of the Kirkland community. We pride ourselves on big city services with a small-town feel. Our team of ASE certified technicians go above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations. We understand better than most, how important a vehicle is to its owner. It’s a mode of transportation, freedom, livelihood, connection and more.
We want our customers to have their vehicles in perfect running condition and back on the streets as soon as possible. That’s why we always guarantee the best turnaround time on our work. Our mechanics never take on projects they can’t fix – so you can rest assured that your air conditioner will come back in tip top shape.
Interested in learning more about AA Auto Kirkland, our air conditioning repair, and other service options? Contact us today! A friendly member of our team will gladly take your call, answer questions, and schedule you an appointment with a certified mechanic.
Don’t spend your summer sweating with the windows down. Enjoy every drive with a perfectly performing air conditioning unit, courtesy of AA Auto Kirkland.
