Why did my car ac stop blowing cold air

Dealing With Broken Car AC 

The summers in Texas can be brutal. Getting into a hot car after a long day at work and finding the car air conditioning not working is the last thing you need! You check the settings, and all is right, but still you have hot air blowing out of the vents. Texas summer has hot and humid air, and you’re wondering, why is my car air conditioning not blowing cold air?

Basic Car Air Conditioning Repairs

Because there are so many components to car air conditioning, the hardest part of fixing it is figuring out what needs fixing. There are the same basic car air conditioning parts on most cars. Those parts consist of the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. Without all three of them working at their full capacity, your car air conditioning won’t cool the way it should. Three of the most common problems are: 

• Refrigerant Needs a Recharge

This is the most common cause of a car air conditioning system not blowing cold. If you can get the refrigerant your system needs, you can recharge it yourself with equipment from the local auto parts store. If not, a professional mechanic has the proper refrigerant and equipment to do the job right, and with a guarantee. 

• A Refrigerant Leak

When your car air conditioning system develops a fluid leak, it can be difficult to find it because refrigerant evaporates instantly as soon as air hits it. Again, a professional mechanic will have the specialty equipment and tools that will find the leak, allowing them to know what needs to be repaired. 

• Fan Motor Failure

Another common problem with car air conditioning systems is the fan motor going out. Most cars have two fans and if one isn’t working, your car air conditioning system isn’t going to blow cold air. 

Does car air conditioning need servicing?

Auto mechanics recommend having your car air conditioning service once a year just before summer starts. Not only will you enjoy having cold air blowing through the vents, but you’ll enjoy better gas mileage in an environmentally-friendly car too. 

How do I make my car air conditioner colder?

If your car air conditioning isn’t getting cold enough, here are a few tips to help.

REPLACE THE CABIN AIR FILTER

This can be done by the lube center when you have your oil changed. This filter keeps dirt, dust, pollen, and other pollutants from coming inside your car when the air conditioner is running. When it gets too dirty and clogged up, it blocks the cool air flow too. 

CHOOSE SHADED PARKING

Yes, here in Texas, we cherish that shaded parking spot, so this may be a challenge, but do your best. When your car is parked in the sun, it can get up to 172°F inside when the outdoor temp reaches 100°F. Use the windshield shades that are available at auto parts stores to cover the dash vents from the direct sun. This also protects your dashboard too. Cracking a window may help ease the heat some, but it isn’t the safest way to keep your car cooler.

SUPERCHARGE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Have your mechanic check the refrigerant level, as it may be getting a bit low, or your system may have a leak in the lines. Better to find out now before your car air conditioning totally quits working. 

DON’T GO MAX AIR IMMEDIATELY

You’re hot, the car is hot, and turning the car air conditioning to max is tempting, but don’t. Even at max setting, the system is still pulling in air over hot vents, even hotter than it is outside. Setting it on maximum cool is just making it work harder, not cooler. Set the fan at max speed and let it blow out the hot air for a few minutes, then turn the setting to “recirculate” for a minute or two, then switch to the maximum cool setting. 

AVOID MIXED SIGNALS

Once all that hot air is forced out of the cabin, crank the temperature to the coldest setting. The middle setting will simply make your car use more gas and the car air conditioning system overall isn’t working at its best either. Use the fan adjustment to minimize the amount of cold air you’re getting. 

What should car air conditioning temperature be?

The refrigerant in a car air conditioning system is an oil substance and critical in the system cooling and working properly. If the system is running with the refrigerant too low, it causes the compressor to fail because it isn’t getting the lubricant it needs. 

To see if your A car air conditioning system is performing at its top level, measure the temperature at the vent with a thermometer. First, drive the car with the air conditioning set on “max”. If the outside temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature at the vent should be between 35 and 48 degrees. If it isn’t, take your car to your mechanic and have them check the system out. 

How long does it take to fix AC in a car?

When it comes to car air conditioning repairs, you can’t set a specific time on the job. The labor, the replacement parts and the supplies are unpredictable. A normal time range is between three to five hours, some could take less time, some could take longer. 

How long does car AC last?

With normal use and annual service checkups, the car air conditioning compressor can last between 8 years and 10 years. Most car owners won’t ever need a new compressor because they trade the car in on a new one every 3 to 5 years. 

Does car air conditioning use gas?

Yes, the energy for your car air conditioning system comes from the alternator, which uses energy from the engine, which takes gasoline. This is why an annual service checkup for your car air conditioning is recommended. If the air conditioning system is having issues, it causes your car to use more gas. 

Last Concerns About Car Air Conditioning – 

 Is it OK to start a car with the AC on? And with all the mechanical questions we’ve answered in our piece today, you may wonder, can car air conditioning cause health problems? The answer is, yes, it can be when you turn it on full blast as soon as you get in your car. The car air conditioning system releases toxic levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer. The constant exposure is dangerous. So, in addition to not turning the system on full blast for the sake of the air conditioner itself, it is also in your best interest too. If there is any other help you need with your car air conditioning, reach out to Bimmer Repair at 469-608-5410.

Why did my AC stop blowing cold air all of a sudden?

Why did my AC stop working all of a sudden in my car?