Going on a road trip or camping in the summertime is a great way to get some good old-fashioned Vitamin D and enjoy yourself at the same time.
However, you have to sit in your car and drive to your desired locations, and nobody likes driving in a hot car due to a faulty AC.
Your AC needs maintenance just like your car does with oil changes or rotations. So keep an eye out for any or all of the following signs to be able to fix any issues in your car AC’s compressor right in time for summer:
Noisy Compressor:
The compressor is designed to pressurize the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid, from which heat is extracted through a spiral heat exchanger. The liquid is allowed to vaporize, moisture accumulates, and the cold refrigerant cools the air entering your vehicle.
If the refrigerant pressures are too high or too low, or if the bearings go bad, you will hear it make strange rattling or chugging sounds. That’s when you must get your HVAC system checked.
Leakage of oil or lubricants:
The compressor is home to many pressure seals and internal bearings that wear out with time, resulting in leaking refrigerant and dripping lubricant.
If you haven’t had your engine bay sprayed with oil, but you notice oil dripping under your car, combined with below-par cooling performance and strange rattling, then your compressor is in trouble and will need a check-up.
Furthermore, a leaking air conditioning system is typically associated with more severe issues. Refrigerants, for example, can be harmful to the environment if not handled appropriately.
Dashboard Lights:
If your car’s air conditioning isn’t working properly, the dashboard warning lights will warn you.
So, if you see those lights, you have two options: go to an auto professional for HVAC diagnostics and repairs, or use an OBD-II tool to look for the specific diagnostic error code for a faulty compressor.
If P0534 appears, it is the compressor!
If you get your air cabin filters and compressor repaired on time, you will save yourself the pain of a pricey HVAC replacement (which you WILL need if you disregard the warning indications!).
Keeping an eye on the signs mentioned above should help you take your car in for maintenance at just the right time. At Mike Patton Honda, serving Oak Grove, GA, we have a dedicated service center with skilled mechanics and technicians, and the most recent OEM parts.
Schedule your winter maintenance with us today to ensure it doesn’t give up on you and spoil your much-awaited summer road trip!
Connect with us
