Why Is My Car Not Blowing Cold Air?

June 27, 2024

Why Is Your Car Not Blowing Cold Air?

If your car is blowing hot air on a warm day, it’s definitely time to get your AC checked. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a BMW X1 with this very issue. After running some diagnostics, our technician discovered that the refrigerant level had dropped. This is a common problem that can happen over time and with different types of refrigerant. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to stay cool.

Why Is My Car AC Blowing Hot Air?

There are several reasons why your car’s AC might blow hot air instead of keeping you cool:

1. Low Refrigerant Levels:

- The most common cause is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant, often referred to as "freon" in older systems, is crucial for cooling the air in your AC system. Over time, it can leak out due to wear and tear.

2. Leaks in the AC System:

- Tiny holes or cracks can develop in the AC system’s components, leading to leaks. Common areas for leaks include hoses, connections, and the compressor.

3. Faulty Compressor:

- The compressor is the heart of the AC system. If it’s not working properly, the refrigerant won’t circulate through the system, causing it to blow warm air.

4. Electrical Issues:

- Faulty wiring or blown fuses can prevent the AC system from functioning correctly.

How We Fix It

At Wayside Garage, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your AC issues. Here’s a step-by-step look at how we resolved the problem for the BMW X1:

1. Diagnosis:

- We started by checking the refrigerant levels and confirmed they were low.

2. Leak Detection:

- Using a special dye and a UV light, we inspected the AC system for leaks.

3. Repair and Recharge:

- After locating and repairing the leaks, we recharged the AC system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

4. Final Check:

- We performed a comprehensive inspection to ensure the AC was working efficiently and the car was blowing cool air again.

Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Regular Maintenance:

- Follow your car’s maintenance schedule and have the AC system checked periodically. At Wayside Garage, we recommend a comprehensive inspection every 10,000 miles or every 12 months【4†source】.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Replace the cabin air filter every year to ensure optimal air flow and cleanliness inside your vehicle.

Watch for Signs:

Pay attention to any changes in your AC’s performance. If it starts blowing warm air or making unusual noises, it’s time for a check-up.

Staying cool on hot days is essential for your comfort and safety. If your car’s AC is blowing hot air, don’t wait. Give us a call at (831)-899-2425 to schedule an appointment with Wayside Garage. Our certified technicians are ready to help you stay cool all summer long.

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. 🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: 🔹 P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. 🔹 A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. 🔹 R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. 🔹 T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. 💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. 🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.