Auto A/C Repairs in Cleveland TN

AC not working or blowing hot air? Visit Smith Auto on South Lee Highway for AC repairs this summer. Schedule an appointment today!

Why is the A/C in my car not working?

In the last 12 years, we have conducted thousands of AC auto repairs in Bradley County. We’ve found the most frequent causes of broken AC include:

• Electrical issues: A faulty compressor clutch, damaged wiring or a malfunctioning AC control module can cause damage to the AC system by disrupting the power supply. This leads to improper cooling, intermittent airflow or complete AC failure.
• Damage from road debris: Road debris can damage a car’s AC system by puncturing the condenser, causing refrigerant leaks, damaging fans or hoses and obstructing airflow.
• Faulty compressor: The compressor is the heart of your car’s AC system. If it fails, the system won’t be able to cool the air at all.
• Leaks: Leaks in the refrigerant lines can cause the refrigerant levels to drop, which can lead to poor cooling performance.

When the air conditioning in a car doesn’t work properly, it can cause more than just discomfort for the passengers. It’s important to let one of our technicians figure out if the AC problems are minor or if they indicate a bigger issue. If you notice strange noises coming from your vehicle when the AC is on, but the sounds go away when you turn it off, it’s likely that your compressor is failing. This is a serious problem that can lead to extensive repairs and increase the chances of your car breaking down on the side of the road.

Signs that Your A/C Is Going Out

Before bringing in your car, it helps to make sure your car is actually experiencing an issue with the AC or if it’s a different problem. There are a few signs you can look for to determine if you’re dealing with an AC issue:

• The air coming out of the vents is warm or not cold at all. This is the most obvious sign that there is an issue with your AC system.
• The AC system makes strange noises. This could be a sign of a problem with the compressor or other components.
• The AC blows hot air intermittently. This could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant lines.
• There is no cold air at all. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the AC system, such as a blown fuse or a bad compressor.

Leak Repair

When your AC system has a leak, you’ll notice it when warm air comes out of the vents or starts insufficiently cooling. When this is an issue, we typically perform a leak repair.

During a leak repair, we locate the source of the leak in the AC system. This can involve inspecting various components such as hoses, connections, O-rings, valves or the AC compressor. Once the leak is identified, we repair or replace the damaged part to stop the refrigerant from escaping. After the leak repair is completed, we recharge the AC system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant to ensure it operates at the correct pressure and temperature. This helps restore the cooling efficiency and performance of the AC system.

A/C Compressor Replacement

The AC compressor is an essential component that helps cool down the air inside your vehicle. It works by compressing the refrigerant gas, which allows it to release heat and cool the air before it circulates through the cabin.

Over time, the AC compressor can wear out or develop faults, resulting in poor cooling performance or complete AC failure. When this happens, it becomes necessary to replace the AC compressor. During the replacement process, the faulty compressor is removed from your car, and a new one is installed in its place. AC compressor replacement involves several steps, including:

• Evacuating the refrigerant from the system
• Disconnecting and removing the old compressor
• Installing the new compressor, reconnecting the necessary components
• Recharging the system with refrigerant

How to Protect Your Car’s A/C During the Summer

Stay in the shade.

When you can, park your car in shaded areas or use sunshades to minimize direct exposure to the sun. This helps avoid excessive heat buildup in your vehicle and reduces the strain on the AC system.

Gradually turn on the AC.

Avoid blasting the AC immediately after starting your car. Gradually lower the temperature setting to a comfortable level. This allows the AC system to adjust and cool the car more effectively without straining the components.

Use Recirculation mode.

When you start your car, switch the AC system to recirculation mode rather than fresh air mode. This prevents hot outside air from entering the cabin and allows the system to cool the already cooler air inside more efficiently.

Keep up with routine maintenance.

Regularly schedule maintenance for your car’s AC system. This includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter and inspecting for leaks or other issues. A well-maintained system performs better and is less likely to develop problems.

Keep the condenser clean.

The condenser is in front of the radiator and can collect dirt, leaves and bugs. Regularly clean the condenser using a gentle stream of water or compressed air. A clean condenser ensures proper airflow and prevents overheating.