Close Attention Essentials: Keeping Track Of Your Car's Ac Performance!
If the heater works fine right now, it doesn't mean your AC will be performing the same way in the summers. Keep your ears open for the usual signs of a faulting compressor!
There is hardly any use for an AC during the cold winter months in Bloomington Springs, TN, and a heater is a norm. However, that period of stagnancy in a car's AC usage can bring out all sorts of unruly issues with the compressor – the sort of issues that are far from being fixed at the hand of DIY maintenance attempts!
Sure, one can use an air-con cleaner spray to draw out the mold & gunk from the cooling fins, but that can't fix the problems of a faulty compressor. Overdrive Used Cars, serving Bloomington Springs, TN excels in remediating & refurbishing used car models to their former superlative states, using the best mechanics & technician knowledge, so we can surely help you find a faulty compressor.
Learn the following signs of a faulty compressor so you know when to bring it to us for an inspection or service:
How to Diagnose a Faulty Compressor?
1. Noisy Compressor
Damaged internal bearings can result in characteristic clanking sounds when you turn the AC on in summers. Warm air ensues, as a result, caused by clogged suction lines, damaged wiring, or a stuck clutch. If you are using the heater and hear the rattling sounds now, your entire HVAC may need a checkup.
2. Lubricant Leak
The bearings need lubrication to move and retain the seal while compressing the refrigerant. When the bearings corrode, the lubricant drips out gradually, causing a seizure of the compressor. The refrigerant seals are also compromised. The system can’t cool the air anymore.
3. Engine Control Unit Light
Always trust your ECU panel when it lights up for any error. If you have an OBD tool, you will diagnose the error code accurately for a faulty compressor and get to an adept mechanic in time.
4. Electricals Acting up
DIY engine bay cleaning can often result in disrupted electrical wiring that can cause a short system, leading to electrical fires & trips. The tripping is attributed to a clogged compressor overheating from drawing too much power.
All the above situations can turn out hazardous & costly if one attempts to fix them at home, so it's sensible to come over to Overdrive Used Cars to check the air-con unit!
How to Maintain Your AC Unit?
So, it's winter, but you still want your AC to run well by the time summer comes. Our advice to you is:
- Once a week, turn your AC on and let it run for around 10 minutes. That will help retain the refrigerant pressure in the compressor.
- If you have a 'defrost' mode in your car, you can leave the car's AC running on that mode for a further 5 minutes to remove moisture & moldy odors.
- Have your compressor's lubricant & refrigerant refreshed every two years, but do ensure you stick to the compressor maintenance checks every 5-6 months.
- If you feel like a responsible car owner, you should book an HVAC service as part of your car's annual service run. Radiating oil, electricals, lines, compressor bearings, cabin filters, the belt & clutch combo, and the refrigerant, all will get a thorough check by the best auto mechanics on our turf!
Try not to leave your AC unit ignored for too long in the colder months; keep your ears and eyes open for the signs and warning lights. If you notice something is off with your AC's cooling, you already know where to go for a quick & long-lasting fix.
At Overdrive Used Cars, serving Bloomington Springs, TN, our mechanics are trained to service a myriad of makes & models, so we don't fuss much when it comes to servicing your car's faulty parts.