While the days have started to warm up this spring, we have only gotten a small taste of what the warmer seasons’ heat has to offer. Unfortunately, this can spell trouble for drivers without a properly functioning air conditioner. Here is a closer look at what you need to do to get your car’s AC working for spring—and to help it stay working for longer.
The Truth About Freon Refills
When your car’s air conditioning system stops working, you might immediately begin to think that you need a refrigerant refill. The issues you are experiencing may, in fact, be resulting from low refrigerant. However, the repair will often require more attention than just a refill.
As we explored in our Comprehensive Guide To Vehicle AC Service, your automotive refrigerant is stored inside a sealed system. You may naturally lose marginal amounts of freon over time, but not enough to impact your AC functioning. So when your vehicle has low freon, it is often the sign of a leaking refrigerant. In these cases, a professional will need to find and repair the leak at its source. They do this by injecting dye into your system that allows them to track freon movement throughout your vehicle. After discovering the source of the leak, your auto mechanic will work with you to develop a repair plan.
Preventing Car AC Troubles: Cabin Air Filter Changes
Preventing vehicle air conditioner troubles is not always easy. The refrigerant leak can come from almost anywhere within your automotive AC system. However, there is one easy service that can help you prevent vehicle HVAC damage: cabin air filter changes.
Much like your home’s HVAC system, your vehicle requires regular filter changes. The pollen, dust, dirt, and debris particles circulating throughout the air are trapped by your filter. Over time, your cabin air filter becomes clogged, which makes it harder for your car’s AC system to force air through. As your air conditioner works harder to maintain airflow, dirty filters can put stress on your system and lead to AC damage. To protect your air conditioning system and keep it working for the longer, you need to have your dirty air filter replaced.
So how often do you need an automotive air filter change?
Your need for a cabin air filter change will depend on a variety of factors, including your vehicle type, the road conditions in your area (especially dirt roads), your mileage, and your area’s air quality, among other factors. Additionally, some air filters can be cleaned while others must be replaced. You can check your owner’s manual for details specific to your vehicle’s care needs. We recommend having your air filter checked every six months or so.
Pro tip: The pollen, dust, dirt, and debris clogging your cabin air filter will also impact your engine air filter. As the name suggests, this filter keeps harmful contaminants away from your engine. Clogged engine filters can lower your fuel efficiency and present harm to your engine. It is best to have both of these filters replaced according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Chapel Hill Tire: Local Automotive AC Repair
When your car’s air conditioner stops working, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help. We offer AC recharge services to help find the leaks in your refrigerant system. Our professionals will then work with you to create a repair plan that will get your AC system working like new. We proudly serve drivers from throughout the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Apex, and Carrboro. You can make your AC repair appointment here online to get started today!
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