Why Is My Car's Air Conditioning Not Working?
Why Is My Car's Air Conditioning Not Working?
Understanding Your Car's AC System
When the air conditioning in your car stops working, it can be a real discomfort, especially during hot summer days. At Wayside Garage, we frequently see vehicles with AC issues, ranging from low Freon levels to leaking components. Today, we’ll take a closer look at one of the most common culprits: the evaporator core.
What is the Evaporator Core?
The evaporator core is an essential part of your car's air conditioning system, located in the dashboard. It functions similarly to a small radiator and is crucial for cooling down the interior of your car. Here's how it works:
1. Heat Absorption: The evaporator core absorbs heat from the air inside your car.
2. Cooling Process: It cools the air by removing the heat, making the inside of the car feel cold.
3. Refrigerant Cycle: Hot air flows through the core, causing the refrigerant to boil and turn into a gas, which then gets cycled back to the AC compressor.
Common AC Problems
Several components can cause your AC to malfunction:
- Evaporator Core Leaks: Leaks are the number one cause of AC issues. A hissing noise can indicate a leak in the evaporator core, as seen in the recent Jeep Grand Cherokee we serviced.
- Compressor Issues: The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. If it fails, your AC won't cool properly.
- Receiver Dryer Problems: This component removes moisture from the refrigerant. If it’s compromised, it can affect the cooling efficiency.
- Faulty Lines: The lines carrying the refrigerant can develop leaks or blockages.
How We Fix It
At Wayside Garage, our ASE-certified technicians, like Alan, use advanced diagnostic tools to locate and repair leaks. Here’s our process:
1. Diagnosis: We inspect the AC system, listen for unusual noises, and use leak detectors to find the source.
2. Repair: Once we identify the issue, we replace or repair the faulty component, whether it’s the evaporator core, compressor, or any other part.
3. Recharge: We recharge the AC system with the correct amount of refrigerant to ensure optimal performance.
Stay Cool with Wayside Garage
If your AC isn't working, don’t sweat it—give us a call at (831)-899-2425, or schedule an appointment online at www.waysidegarage.com. Our team is dedicated to making sure your vehicle is running properly and your air conditioning is operating efficiently, especially on hot days.
