The Anatomy of Healthy Cars: A Service and Repair Blog

3 Red Flags For Faulty Auto Air Conditioning

by Brittany Marshall

Running the auto air conditioning system when driving has been linked to reduced fuel mileage in an automobile. However, many drivers consider this a small price to pay for the comfort associated with the use of auto air conditioning systems.

Having underlined its importance, this article discusses three warning signs that indicate the need to have the air conditioner in an automobile serviced.

Weak Airflow

Fortunately for motorists, it is very easy to notice when airflow from the auto air conditioning unit is weak. The "cool breeze" that vehicle owners grow accustomed to whenever they run the auto AC does not feel as refreshing as it always does when airflow is weak.

Several factors can contribute to weak airflow from an auto air conditioning unit. A faulty or broken ventilation fan is among the most common reasons for the above-mentioned problem. Replacing the fan with a new one is the best corrective action to take in such a case.

Not-So-Cool Air

In some cases, the problem lies with the temperature of air produced by the air conditioning unit as opposed to its quantity. This is perhaps the most common problem that motorists find themselves dealing with at one point or the other.

When the air from an auto AC is warm when it should be cold, there are several components of the auto AC system that should come to vehicle owner's mind.  Clogs along the auto AC's expansion tube, a faulty compressor and/or its clutch, a damaged evaporator, and even vacuum leaks are all possible reasons for the production of warm air from the air conditioner in a vehicle. 

Odor

The presence of foul odor is seldom a good thing irrespective of the context. An air conditioning unit whose operation has a negative impact on air quality within the vehicle indicates "rot" within the system.

A number of factors can contribute to this problem in an auto AC unit. Accumulation of dirt in the cabin filters within the auto AC unit is among these factors. The presence of mold and mildew on the unit's evaporator case is also often responsible for the production of such odor.

Detecting and dealing with auto AC problems in their early stages is key to extending the life of the air conditioning system in an automobile. Should these auto air conditioning problems persist, it's time to let yourself call in the auto air conditioning technician.

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