Proper maintenance starts by visiting the Christian Brothers Automotive Jackson service center. Some common problems can be taken care of quickly with regular maintenance, so make sure you keep an eye on frequent problem areas.

Do you know how your car’s AC system works?

Since the first “weather conditioners” offered to limousine and luxury car owners in New York City back in the ‘30s, the car air conditioning system has served to eliminate humidity and heat trapped inside the passenger compartment. This service is now a standard car feature.

The AC system works by using a belt that allows the air conditioning compressor to compress a refrigerant and pump it throughout the AC system. The refrigerant is pressed through a valve that reduces pressure and temperature and then moves through the evaporator in the passenger compartment, delivering cool, dry air.

Common Car AC System Problems You Should Check For

1. Is The Air Cooling?

Your car’s AC system may not be cooling for many reasons, but some of the most frequent causes are:

• Low Refrigerant level – did you know it diminishes by 15% each year?

• Broken condenser

• Compressor has cracked or damaged belt, defective clutch, inactive pressure switches or idle valves

2. Do You Hear A Strange Noise?

Noise usually comes from a dying compressor, but some other common causes can be a cross-contaminated refrigerant or the use of the wrong lubricant. Holes or other broken parts could also be the source of the problem.

3. Does It Feel Moist Inside The Vehicle?

The common cause for moist air inside your car is usually moisture or debris trapped inside your air conditioning system.

4. Does The Air Smell?

When your car’s air conditioning system has not been used for a while (especially during the winter season), microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus can begin to populate and produce a foul smell.

5. Is Something Leaking?

Watch for leaks coming from your AC system since leaking refrigerant is a dangerous chemical that can harm the environment as well as your car’s engine.

How To Regularly Maintain Your Car’s AC System

Detection and repair of any issue in your car’s air conditioning system could prevent additional damage that will in turn save you time and money.

To maintain your AC system:

• Check the air conditioning compressor belt for cracks and damage on a regular basis

• Watch for any leaks or damage in the air conditioning system

• Regularly check the function of the air conditioning system and other components

• Empty out the refrigerant from the system

• Do a vacuum test on the air conditioning system

• Recharge your car’s air conditioning system by using the right refrigerant type and quantity as specified by the manufacturer

• Perform regular service on air conditioning system components including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and electrical controls

As a general guideline, you should have your Christian Brothers Automotive Jackson service center inspect your AC system every 12,000 miles (or 12 months) in order to ensure your air conditioning is working properly and efficiently.

Our specialized staff goes out of its way to provide the best and most precise service the first time with our 2-year/24,000-mile Nice Difference Warranty. To schedule an inspection of your car’s AC system, call Christian Brothers Automotive in Jackson, Tennessee today!