In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 signs that indicate your car's air conditioning system is failing.

From strange noises to weak airflow, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your car cool and comfortable during those hot summer months.

Read on to learn how to identify and fix common car air conditioning problems issues, as well as our top 5 tips for maintaining your vehicle's air con system.

Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your car's air conditioning such as rattling, squealing, grinding or hissing sounds, this usually indicates an underlying issue.

If your air con belt is loose, worn or damaged it can cause squealing sounds. Fan issues can cause rattling or clunking sounds, and may indicate that it needs to be replaced.

Bubbling and hissing sounds can indicate that you have a refrigerant leak. If your vehicle's AC system is low on refrigerant, it may not cool the air as well as it should.

Weak Airflow

If your air conditioning airflow is not as strong as it used to be, it could be a few different problems. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, which then causes your air con to work much less effectively.

If you find that the airflow is not consistent, it could be a filter issue, a malfunctioning blower motor, damaged or blocked air ducts, electrical problems or low refrigerant levels. Any air conditioning car specialist should be able to diagnose these issues for you. 

Warm airflow is usually caused by low refrigerant levels, this means your air con will need regassed. When this level is low, your vehicle may not be able to produce enough cool air to properly cool your car down.

Most car garages offer air con regassing, and this is a relatively straightforward service that shouldn't cost you too much.

Sometimes a regas won't fix weak air flow, so it's important to regularly maintain your vehicle's air conditioning system. Make sure to take your car to a specialist garage with skilled mechanics who can diagnose the issue for you.

Unpleasant Odours Air Con

If your car's air con has a musty or mouldy smell, this is usually a sign that your filter needs to be changed. It's important to replace your filter regularly, as a dirty filter can cause blockages and reduce the effectiveness of the air con. It can also be a breeding ground for bugs and bacteria, so it's a good idea to change it often.

At Adderley Green Garage, our highly skilled mechanics can do air con filter changes and anti-bacterial cleans.

Burning or Gas Odours

If you smell gas or exhaust fumes when you turn your air con on, this can be a sign of a serious problem. You could have an exhaust leak which allows toxic fumes to enter through your air con.

A fuel system leak can also cause a gas smell whenever your air conditioning is turned on. This can be a serious issue and must be fixed as a priority.

It is important to have your air conditioning system checked by a professional as soon as possible, especially if you can smell burning or gas. A qualified technician can assess the issue and determine the best course of action. 

If you don't address the problems straight away, they can lead to further damage if left unchecked. It can also be quite dangerous to operate the air conditioning system if there is a gas leak.

Air Conditioning Leaks or Moisture

Air conditioning vehicle leaks or moisture are usually a common issue. If you find puddles of water under your car after using the air con, it can be a sign of a clogged line.

Moisture on the dashboard or floor mats can also signify an air con system leak.

If you notice warm air coming from your air con, this can be a sign of a refrigerant leak.

AC Not Cooling

If you find that your car's air conditioning isn't cooling properly, there can be a few underlying issues.

If your AC takes longer to cool your car, it could be low gas levels or a clogged air filter. A damaged or dirty condenser could be to blame too. The condenser is responsible for cooling the gas in the air con system. If damaged, the condenser will malfunction and not work properly.

The compressor may be malfunctioning, which means it won't be able to circulate the refrigerant gas properly in the air. Electrical problems such as a faulty relay or switch can stop your vehicle's air con from working altogether.

Air Conditioning Top Tips 

Run Your Car's Air Con Often

Running your air conditioner on defrost mode can help keep it running efficiently and prevent any issues from arising. Doing this regularly will also help to keep the gas pressure in the system at an optimal level.

Defrost mode helps to remove any moisture that has built up in the car. This can cause mildew and other problems if left unchecked, which can be costly to fix.

For best results, you should run your air conditioner on defrost mode at least once a week. Do this throughout the entire year, even during the winter months.

Keep the AC Clean

Keeping your car clean is an important part of maintaining your air conditioner. Make sure to vacuum the interior and wipe down all surfaces and dashboard with a damp cloth. Doing this in your car once a month will help to keep the air inside your car clean. This also helps reduce the amount of dust and dirt that can get into the air conditioner and cause blockages.

Changing your air filter regularly will help to keep the air inside your car clean. A clean air filter means that your air con is running at its optimum function.

Only Use Air Con While Driving

Once you begin to drive, turn on the air conditioner and roll down the back windows for a few seconds. Doing this allows the hot air to escape during those summer months, and will help the air conditioning system work more efficiently. This also reduces strain on the system and can help your air con last longer.

Remember - air conditioning systems work best when the car is already in motion. The best idea is to wait until you are driving, before turning on the air conditioning.

Turn up the Temperature

By setting the temperature too low, the air conditioning system has to work harder to cool the air. This means that the system has to run for longer, using more energy and fuel.

The AC system has to reheat the air before sending it into the car. This uses more energy and fuel, which could cost you more. Set the air conditioner to the highest setting for efficiency, and adjust the fan to stay comfortable.

Car Air Conditioning Maintenance

Having a professional service your air conditioning system is the best way to ensure that it is running properly. They will check for any leaks, inspect the hoses and connections, and replace any worn parts.

An air conditioning specialist will also check the refrigerant level and top it up. This will help to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and can help avoid any costly repairs in the future.

Air Con Repairs and Services

If you experience any issues such as strange noises or smells, don't delay. If you ignore the problems, they can become more costly in the long run. Book in with Adderley Green Garage for air con repairs and services.

Vehicle Air Conditioning Deep Clean

Strange smells coming from your air con? As we mentioned earlier, this can usually be fixed with a filter change and an anti-bacterial air con clean. Bring your vehicle to us at Adderley Green Garage - we service most kinds of vehicles including lorries and motorhomes too.

This blog post highlights the top 5 signs that your car's air conditioning system may need repair or regassing. Common problems that can occur include strange noises, weak airflow, unpleasant odours, leaks, and the air conditioning not cooling effectively.

We also listed our 5 tips for maintaining your car's air conditioning system to prevent these issues from arising. Tips included running the air conditioning on defrost mode and keeping the AC system clean.

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the car's air con system is running correctly and efficiently. This will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will keep filter germs and bacteria at bay.

At Adderley Green Garage, we offer all kinds of air conditioning services. From filter changes and anti-bacterial cleans to repairs, recharges and regassing.

We repair air conditioning systems in cars, vans, lorries and motorhomes. No job is too big or too small. Find out more about our air conditioning services.

If you liked this blog post, make sure to read our post on pros and cons of air conditioning in your car.