Car Air Conditioning: Signs of Failure, Maintenance and Price

To cope with the heat, it’s crucial to ensure that your car’s air conditioning is in excellent condition. However, if you don’t take proper care of its maintenance, you may not be able to control the temperature inside your car.

If you want to continue driving in comfort and avoid problems with other systems in your vehicle, find out what signs you should look out for and what care you should take with your car’s air conditioning.

 

Why should you have your car’s air conditioning serviced?

First of all, it’s important to understand why you should have your car’s air conditioning serviced.

You should service your car’s air conditioning system to improve the following aspects:

 

1. System Efficiency

Keeping the air conditioning in good condition ensures that it works efficiently.

A well-functioning air conditioning system can cool the interior of the car faster and more evenly, providing comfort while driving.

 

2. Fuel Savings

Poorly maintained air conditioning can overload the car’s engine, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance ensures that the system operates optimally, helping to save fuel.

 

3. Prevention of Bad Odors

Moisture accumulated in the air conditioning system can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria, causing bad odors.

On the other hand, the existence of fungi and bacteria is conducive to diseases or other health complications related to the respiratory tract.

 

4. Air Quality

Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce the quality of the air inside the car, affecting the health of the occupants.

Air conditioning maintenance should include changing or cleaning these filters to ensure cleaner, healthier air.

 

5. Resale Value

A properly functioning air conditioning system can help increase the value of a car.

Potential buyers value vehicles that don’t require immediate repairs, including to the air conditioning system.

 

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How Does Car Air Conditioning Work?

In short, this system consists of three fundamental parts;

1. Compressor: a gaseous fluid circulates in it which, when compressed, generates heat and sends it to the condenser;
2. Condenser: dissipates the air to the outside;
3. Evaporator: this is where the air circulates throughout the cabin, cooling or heating it.

These components work in a sealed system, which is filled with a fluid known as car air conditioning gas.

 

Does Car Air Conditioning Waste Fuel?

Although many people think it’s a myth, the truth is that turning on the car’s air conditioning uses up gasoline or diesel.

Although there are many variables that contribute to the increase in fuel consumption caused by air conditioning, it is known that this effect varies between 10% and 20%.

When you turn on the car’s air conditioning, the use of the compressor requires extra energy from the engine. As a result, it will need more fuel to run.

 

What are the Signs that your Car’s Air Conditioning is Faulty?

If you’re worried about the cost of repairing your car’s air conditioning system, then look out for the following signs of trouble:

 

1. Won’t turn on

When you press the button and your car’s air conditioning doesn’t turn on, this is one of the first signs that something isn’t right.

If you press the button and you get neither cold air nor hot air, you may have a problem with the HVAC (Heating and Ventilating Air Conditioning) system.

 

2. Strange noises

When you turn on the car’s air conditioning and it “responds” with noises, this could be an indicator that the system has debris inside, such as sand or leaves.

Another possibility could be wear and tear on the system due to excessive use of the air conditioning.

 

3. Bad smells

Like the previous sign, this could be debris inside the car’s air conditioning system.

In this particular case, the debris may be mixed with water and therefore cause the bad smell.

 

4. Humidity inside the vehicle

One of the most common car air conditioning faults is humidity inside the vehicle.

When this system is working properly, the air cooling does not generate a build-up of humidity.

If water is dripping into the cabin, then there is a problem with the equipment.

 

5. Car air conditioning leaks

Unlike coolant leaks, a leak in a car air conditioner is more difficult to find.

In order to detect it, there are various tools and tips that can help. One tip is to put a dye in the coolant to make it visible where the air comes out of the cabin.

 

Car Air Conditioning Not Working: What Now?

When your car’s air conditioning doesn’t work, you should first check the coolant levels.

If the levels are normal, look out for signs such as water leaks, bad smells or other indicators of problems in this auto system.

In any case, as soon as you detect problems with your car’s air conditioning, you should go to a car repair shop that specializes in this system.

Ignoring problems with your vehicle’s air conditioning can have a number of negative consequences for passengers and your driving.

 

 

Is it Dangerous to Ignore Car Air Conditioning Problems?

On the one hand, dirty air filters accumulate dust, pollen and bacteria, which compromises air quality. As a result, they can cause respiratory problems for the vehicle’s occupants.

On the other hand, small air conditioning problems, if left untreated, can worsen and lead to more serious and costly failures, such as damage to the compressor.

In addition, a faulty system can increase fuel consumption, as the engine needs to work harder to compensate for the inefficiency of the air conditioning.

The functionality of the air conditioning is also important for safety, as it helps to demist the windows, improving visibility while driving.

Regular maintenance of the car’s air conditioning is essential to ensure that it works efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

 

How Often Should Air Conditioning Be Serviced?

In general, you should clean your car’s air conditioning once a year to remove dirt and avoid clogging the air filters.

Find out how to do it below.

 

How do I clean my car’s air conditioning?

Cleaning the car air conditioning system is important to ensure a healthy and efficient environment inside the vehicle.

You should therefore buy a specific cleaning product for car air conditioning to ensure good sanitization. To clean this system, you must:

1. Remove and check the air filters. If they are dirty or blocked, replace them;
2. With the filters removed, follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s instructions and clean the air conditioning system;
3. Leave the product on for the time specified on the packaging;
4. After the time has elapsed, turn the air conditioning on in normal ventilation mode and leave it running for a few minutes;
5. Reinstall the air filters.

 

How Much Does a Leaking Car Air Conditioner Cost to Repair?

The price of repairing a car air conditioning leak always depends on how difficult it is to find the leak, as well as how easy it is to access it. The make and model of the vehicle can also influence the amount you pay.

In any case, you should expect a repair cost in the hundreds of euros.

 

How Much Does it Cost to Charge the Car’s Air Conditioning?

To charge your car’s air conditioning, you’ll spend a few dozen euros.

 

What are some tips for using car air conditioning properly?

Now that you know how car air conditioning works and how to maintain it, there are small daily gestures you should follow to help extend its useful life. In order to get the most out of this component, you should:

• Avoid turning on the air conditioning as soon as you get into the car if you park it in the sun. Instead, open the windows and let the air circulate;
• Avoid driving with the air conditioning on full blast, so that the thermal shock isn’t so great;
• Turn the system on at least once a week for a few minutes to prevent the pipes and compressor from drying out.

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