Question:  Why isn’t my air conditioner blowing cold air?

Express Car Care Answer:  Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to create cold air.  The most common reasons drivers lose their cold air have to do with the refrigerant.

The first reason is not enough refrigerant.  Refrigerant is a gas in the air conditioning system and if there are small holes in a hose, seal or coupler, enough gas can leak out and prevent the system from creating cold air.

Another potential problem for auto owners is contamination.  Over time, the inside of the rubber hoses can deteriorate, and little bits of rubber can clog up various filters and other parts of the vehicle air conditioning system, preventing proper circulation of the refrigerant.  A component of the system could also be worn or broken.  So the first step for drivers who can’t cool their vehicle is a thorough air conditioning inspection, looking for leaks and worn parts.  In fact, Federal law requires an inspection before adding refrigerant.  Some states do not allowing topping off a leaking system.

Once any repairs are made, refrigerant is added.  At the same time, special oil is added to the system.  This oil cools and lubricates various components as it circulates along with the refrigerant.  If you have a refrigerant leak, you also have an oil leak – and it’s important that both be replenished for proper function and protection of your A/C system.

Sometimes overlooked by drivers is the fact that a worn serpentine belt ( which drives the A/C compressor) leads to belt slippage which puts additional strain on the compressor.  Replacing your serpentine belt and belt tensioner on schedule at Express Car Care will extend the life of your A/C compressor and other belt driven accessories.

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