When the temperature gets in the high-eighties to nineties, it’s time to roll up the windows and turn on your car’s air conditioner.
Your commute to work is long and learning your AC blows hot air (when you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic) is not when you want to find out your air conditioner needs to be changed or repaired.
Before you start Googling where’s an A/C repair shop near me, let’s see what you can do yourself…
Leaky seals and hoses:
Cars that are 3 – 4 years old can lose R134A (Freon) through worn seals and parts. And unfortunately, you won’t know this until it’s too late.
Getting your AC checked regularly by a trusted mechanic is important because you don’t want to have to rebuild your air conditioners (cha-ching!), you only want it recharged.
But it can get tricky because many shops want to do much more than you really need.
Auto AC Repair Phoenix – Stuck In Traffic
Can you just repair/replace only what’s needed? Yes!
What can go bad on your AC:
#1. Parts that can wear out on an auto AC are compressors, clutches, and belts. (Big bucks!)
#2. But air conditioners can lose their charge through bad hoses, seals, and loose fittings. (Small bucks!)
#3. Then there are always electronic sensors and wiring that can go bad or short out and cause an air conditioner to fail. Not to mention just a fuse going bad.
Look:
Normal wear and tear happen to the best cars.
If you or someone you know are the DIY type and want to charge your AC, be very careful not to over fill it and be careful when working around a running engine.
For more on charging your own AC, I recommend reading Top 2 Heat-Related Auto Repairs (AC Blows Hot & Radiator Overheats).
DIY Tip:
Always remember to check fluid levels when you wash your car…
Don’t be stranded in the Phoenix HEAT with a broken car AC!
