Want to Stay Cool While Driving? You Can With an Annual AC Check

Driving through rush-hour traffic each morning and evening is not something in life you may thoroughly enjoy, but these daily drives are probably a lot worse when the air conditioning in your car is not keeping up with the heat.

Getting an air conditioning check each year is a great way to ensure that your car's AC system is working well.

The Steps of an Air Conditioning Check

Just like the AC in your home, your car's AC system contains multiple components, and each one is important. If any of these parts are not working properly, the AC in your car might not be working at its best, or it might not work at all.

An AC check will determine if the system is working properly; and if not, it will help locate what repairs the car needs. Here are some of the steps a car repair shop may perform during in an AC check:

1. 
   Find out if the compressor engages when system is running by looking at it when the car is running and the AC is on.
2. Look for signs of wear on all parts of the AC system, including the compressor, condenser and evaporator.
3. Examine the hoses that connect the parts of the AC system.
4. Measure the amount of coolant in the system.
5. Test the vents inside the car to see if air is coming out.
6. Test the temperature of the air coming out of the vents.
7. Test the pressure switch in the system.
8. Perform a dye test to locate leaks in the system.

The mechanic performing the check may or may not perform all the steps listed here today, and there is no specific order in which he or she completes these steps. If everything checks out as it should, your AC should work fine for the next year. If the mechanic spots problems, he or she will determine how to repair them.

Potential Repairs Needed to Fix AC Systems

When the mechanic finds problems that require repairs, he or she will write up an estimate for the services. The estimate will include a detailed description of the repairs needed, as well as the costs for labor and parts. You will have a chance to look over the estimate to decide whether to get the work done or not, and you can ask questions if you have any.

If the shop is not currently busy, they may perform the repairs on the spot. Otherwise, you will need to schedule an appointment for services. Here are some common types of repairs needed for AC systems in cars:

• Recharging the system — If the system is not functioning due to a low level of coolant, recharging the system will typically fix the problem. Recharging an AC system involves adding more coolant to the system. After doing this, the mechanic will again perform tests to ensure it is now working.
• Replace engine components — If your AC is not working at all, there is a good chance they may find broken or faulty parts. If so, the repair shop will replace the faulty parts with new ones, and this should solve the AC problems.
• Replace blower motor or other internal components — When the car's vent system is the cause of the AC problems, the mechanic may recommend replacing the blower motor fan or the AC power switch.

Every car is different, and locating AC problems is sometimes a time-consuming activity. The good news is that Letcher Bros. Auto Repair specializes in checking, diagnosing and repairing AC systems in cars. Call us today to schedule an appointment for an AC check on your vehicle.