Anyone who has taken a long journey on a hot day with the car AC not working knows how essential a fully functioning air conditioning system can be. But do you know the signs of a failing air conditioning unit? Here’s our list of the symptoms that mean it’s time to contact Hutch Ford.
Bad Smells
Unpleasant odors in your car will turn any trip into a trial, and they could well be the product of a problematic AC unit. Mold can grow behind the vents, leading to musty scents throughout the vehicle. Leaking coolant can result in a sweetish chemical odor, while dirty air filters might also make your car less than fragrant.
It’s not just bad news for your car if you’re inhaling poor-quality or mildewed air. In the long term, these problems could undermine your respiratory health, so make it a priority to have the AC flushed out and checked over.
Drips and Leaks
Your air conditioner might normally produce a little condensation but watch out for excess water. If it’s dripping down the dashboard, or if there are water stains on the floor of the passenger side, the aircon needs to be checked out. Apart from a struggling AC unit, you run the risk of mold or damage to the upholstery, so don’t delay in scheduling an appointment.
Broken Switches
If there’s a problem with the wiring, refrigerant, or compressor, you might find that the switches and dials for your AC system are unresponsive. You can reduce the risk of this occurrence by running your air conditioner at least every three weeks for fifteen minutes, even when you don’t need it. But if the system refuses to start up, you’ll need some expert help to get it going again.
Alternatively, you might find that your air conditioner won’t turn off, even when the engine isn’t running. This problem needs a solution urgently as you run the risk of flattening the battery.
Warm Air
One of the biggest tell-tale signs of a faulty AC unit happens when it just doesn’t work. If you aren’t able to feel cool dry air from the vents when the system is turned onto the coldest setting, or if the air is initially cool but turns warm quickly, then your air conditioner isn’t doing its job. Muggy air in the cabin can suggest a problem with the humidity regulation.
This can be easily solved by refreshing the refrigerant, but it could also mean blockages, leaks, electrical faults, damaged fans, or a clogged filter. Either way, the best solution is a check-up to make sure that the problem is quickly resolved.
Keeping the AC unit in tip-top condition is an important aspect of car maintenance – you’ll be avoiding easily preventable problems as well as improving the quality of your driving experience. If you want perfect peace of mind when it comes to your car’s health, be sure to schedule an appointment at Hutch Ford.
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