Automotive Air Conditioning Repair in St. John's, NL
Let’s talk about automotive air conditioning service and repair issues. Most of us don’t give our air conditioning a second thought as long as it’s making cold air. But it’s a complex and expensive system that we should think about before it starts blowing hot air.
Signs That Your Vehicle's Air Condition System Needs To Be Serviced or Repaired
- No cold or cool air is coming out of your vents
- Squealing belts
- Compressor kicks on and off
- Uneven engine idle or stalling
- An abnormal smell coming from the inside vents
The refrigerant in the air conditioner contains a special oil that lubricates and cools the A/C parts. When enough refrigerant leaks out, your air conditioner still makes cold air, but the parts don’t have enough oil to protect them and they wear out faster than they should, so it’s important to service the air conditioner as recommended by your owner’s manual or service technician.
Replacing old refrigerant has another benefit: refrigerant tends to gather moisture and become corrosive. That causes leaks in the system which can be expensive to repair. Fresh refrigerant protects the air conditioning components and keeps the system operating at peak efficiency so it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.
Even with regular service, A/C parts can just wear out. Normal wear and tear eventually gets to all moving parts.
Addressing early problems can save on more extensive repairs down the road. For instance, a common failure is the clutch that turns the compressor on and off. If you can take care of a bad A/C clutch when it first starts having problems, you may be able to save the compressor. Wait too long and you’ll have to replace both.
If you’re hearing strange sounds when your air conditioning turns on, or if it just isn’t as cold as it used to be, trust Capital Auto Centre to see what it’ll take to keep you cool.
Air Conditioning FAQs
How often should I have my A/C system inspected?
Annually. A service technician will check pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge, and outlet temperatures. If the system is low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Sometimes, refrigerant may need to be added to top off the system. A technician may also check for evidence of cross-contamination. The inspection will also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.
The A/C seems to be working okay, but it smells terrible. What could this be?
Typically, these smells are from bacteria buildup in the evaporator. We have all the tools needed to clean this up and have your car smelling fresh again.
When I turn my A/C on, no cold air comes out, is this an easy fix?
Maybe! Your refrigerant could be low, either because you just need it refilled or there’s a leak in the A/C system. Bring it in and we can let you know.
My A/C makes a weird noise when I turn it on, but it still seems to work great, what is that noise?
It may simply be engine noise you’re hearing, but it can also be a problem with your compressor. This is the heart of the system, have it checked if you hear anything unusual.
Why Choose Capital Auto Centre for Automotive Air Conditioner Service and Repair?
Located at 409 Kenmount Road, Capital Auto Centre is Metro St. John's preferred choice for automotive A/C repair. If you live in St. John's, Conception Bay South, Paradise, Mount Pearl, Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, or any of the surrounding communities, visit Capital Auto Centre for top-quality automotive air conditioning service.
