Auto Air Conditioning Service

The need for an air conditioning service is perhaps the easiest problem to diagnose.  If you’ve ever lost your air conditioning on a hot summer day, then you know you have a problem. A properly functioning air conditioner should be able to generate air that is 45 to 50 degrees below the ambient air temperature outside the car.  But if the air coming from your air vents is hot you probably already know you have a problem with your car’s air conditioning.

Most of the time the problem with your air conditioning system is that the refrigerant level has gotten too low.  This could be caused by a leak somewhere.  Air conditioning systems can be complex and it’s best to have us check the system out.  

Why can’t I do it myself?

In 1994 the Federal government outlawed the use of Freon or R-12.  This was outlawed because Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), is extremely destructive to the ozone layer. Most people needed Freon refills because they had leaks in their car’s air conditioning. By simply refilling the leaky air conditioning units, millions of pounds of Freon were entering the atmosphere every year.

If your car was built before 1994, then you need to have your refrigerant checked out by a licensed professional who knows how to dispose of or recycle Freon.  However, even older cars can be easily retrofitted to use the newer, safer type of refrigerant called R-134a. But R-134a is expensive and a repeated refill of a leaky system is only a stop-gap measure and really doesn’t fix the problem.  We have leak detection equipment to find the leaks.  This often entails adding a dye to the refrigerant so the leaks can be detected with ultraviolet light.

Complex Problems

Often the Air conditioner compressor or the air conditioner compressor clutch has failed. These clutches are known to fail as a part of normal wear.  If your compressor clutch has failed, the entire compressor may need to be replaced.  However, some vehicles have clutches that are serviced separately.

Less complex problems

Your air conditioner’s compressor is usually spun by an accessory belt.  Much like the belt that turns your alternator, the A.C. belt can become worn and loose and should be inspected and replaced as recommended by the manufacturer

Please visit us for any specific questions about your car and its air conditioning system. Call Layton Carcare today for your car’s air conditioning service at (801) 593-9200.