Is your vehicle’s A/C DOA? Here’s what you can do about it

As temperatures begin to rise, the last thing you want is to be stuck with an air-conditioner that isn’t working properly. A non-functioning A/C unit can turn a drive to work or the store into a hot mess. As our certified auto technicians at Al's One Stop Auto can attest, it’s best to recognize the signs of a failing air-conditioner early in the season to save you the hassle of being stuck with a car full of unhappy passengers. 

Here are some of the signs your air-conditioner is not working properly, and what to do about it:

• This one falls under the “duh-uh” category: If you feel only lukewarm or hot air coming out of the vents, that’s what you call a big red flag that the A/C unit is not functioning properly and needs repair.

• If the flow of air coming from the vents is weak, even with the fan on high, the vents and/or cabin filter could be clogged, or the blower motor could be on the way out.

• Smell something musty or a burning odor wafting out of those vents? That could mean there’s mold or mildew accumulating inside, or perhaps even an electrical problem.

• Any unusual noises the a/c unit is making, such as a metallic clanging or grinding could signal that one of the components is loose, or the compressor’s breaking down, or maybe there’s some debris trapped somewhere inside. 

• Test the A/C unit out early in the season — don’t wait until you’re stuck in a sweltering car to find out you’ve got a problem.

• Inspect and clean the vehicle’s cabin filter, and give the vents a look to see if you can spot any blockages. 

If your A/C unit isn’t up to the job, don’t wait! Make an appointment at Al's One Stop Auto for our auto technicians to identify and fix the problem. We’ll make sure you’re riding in comfort this summer!