Air Conditioning
Q: Something is wrong with my A/C system, it isn't blowing cold. Can I cause damage if it continues to operate?
A: YES! You can cause damage to an A/C system that is working (or has the A/C compressor engaged) but isn't blowing cold. The problem could be is that your system is probably low on refrigerant. When that happens, your A/C compressor is not being cooled properly. The same refrigerant that keeps you cool also cools your compressor. Without the proper flow of refrigerant, your A/C compressor isn't getting proper lubrication either! That's because there is not enough refrigerant flowing through the system to carry the required amount refrigerant oil to the A/C compressor. That can quickly cause catastrophic failure.
Air Conditioning Service
There are several components that make up your A/C system. These components are connected by tubes and hoses to form a continuous path with two distinct sections: a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. In order to transfer heat from the vehicle's interior to the outside air, a chemical refrigerant is circulated throughout the system. Most new vehicles use an R134a refrigerant, and some older vehicles use an R12 refrigerant. Here at BRAKEmax we have the state of the art equipment and certified technicians to service all your A/C service needs.
What's included in our A/C Service
- Compressor check
- Clean and check condenser
- Performance test
- Check for visual signs of leaks
- Tighten belts & hose connections
- Complete evacuation & recharge available
- R12 & R134a systems
Warning Signs
- Blowing warm air or not as cold as it used to be
- No air comes from vents from A/C is turned on
- A/C or engine makes loud noises when the A/C is turned on
- Vehicle stalls or idles roughly when A/C is turned on
- Vehicle runs hot or overheats when A/C is on
- Unusual odors come from air vents
Air Conditioning Maintenance At BRAKEmax Car Car Centers In Tucson
Posted May 23, 2012 1:49 PM
Warm weather or cold, our drivers still need to think about their vehicle’s air conditioning. Most people don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. At BRAKEmax Car Car Centers, we can advise you on your vehicle manufacturer's preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning service, just as we do for transmission service, oil changes and so on.
Maintaining your air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the car's air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well. We see that a lot at BRAKEmax Car Car Centers in Tucson.
The refrigerant also contains a special oil that lubricates air conditioning components, and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and all car owners know that air conditioning repairs can be costly. At BRAKEmax Car Car Centers, we recommend that the air conditioner be run regularly, even during winter months, to keep the parts and seals lubricated.
Corrosion is what leads to many air conditioning system failures for Tucson motorists. The small leaks mentioned earlier also mean that air and water can leak into the air conditioning system. This can lead to rust and dirt in the internal workings of the air conditioning components. This greatly accelerates wear and, ultimately, failure.
Air conditioning service at BRAKEmax Car Car Centers starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear. The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s recommended to be repaired and the system is retested.
The old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the vehicle's air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.
How often this should be done varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your vehicle's owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, your BRAKEmax Car Car Centers service advisor can tell you. It’s typically every two years.
If you’re not getting enough cool air, you know something’s wrong. Also, if you hear strange sounds when you turn the air on, there might be a problem with the compressor and you should get it checked out at BRAKEmax Car Car Centers. Replacing a bad A/C clutch in a vehicle is cheaper than waiting for it to ruin the compressor.
Tucson drivers need to be aware that there’s one more thing that isn’t directly related to air conditioning service, but does impact the quality of the air in your suv. And that’s your cabin air filter. This filter cleans dust, pollen, pollution and other impurities in the air that comes from the heater and air conditioner. The cabin air filter needs to be replaced when it’s dirty. If you don’t it’ll start to smell. Not all vehicles have one, so ask your BRAKEmax Car Car Centers service advisor to check your cabin air filter at the same time they’re doing your air conditioning service.
