Do you want to ask your questions about car air conditioning that doesn’t freeze? So you are in the right place. In today’s article, I will explain how you can identify that your car is in trouble.
Nowadays, it is very difficult, especially for those who live in traffic, to have a vehicle without air conditioning. In addition to making the car environment more pleasant, it is a great help when we need to get out of the heat of the street and feel a slightly cooler environment. We all know the benefits and pleasures of this equipment, but the problem is when the air conditioner is not cooling. So, what to do?
As the system is very complex, the fact that the air conditioning is not freezing can be due to several problems, some more serious and others simpler to solve. If you have the right tools – and a little skill – the problem can be located and repaired in your own garage. But in the case of some failures, the help of a professional expert in the subject will really be necessary.
However, it is possible to detect some reasons why the air conditioner is not freezing. So, you may not be able to fix it yourself, but at least you don’t run the risk of paying for something you don’t need. With that in mind, we have gathered the main equipment failures to help in this identification.
Still without insurance for your car?
Quote your auto insurance for free with Minuto Seguros, the largest online broker in Brazil, and receive quotes from up to 16 insurance companies at once.
Automotive air conditioning doesn’t cool, what could it be?
Understand what may be happening with your car’s air conditioning.
Check the air filter
The air filter is one of the main reasons why the air conditioner is not performing its function correctly. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it will not cool down. As it is considered simple and routine maintenance, if you have a little knowledge about cars and their mechanics, you can make this change at home.
Consult your vehicle manual for replacement instructions. If you don’t have any skills to perform this operation, or simply don’t want to perform it, take the car to your trusted mechanic and ask him to change it. It is a quick procedure and takes little time.
The cost of this maintenance is also not high, as it is considered routine. In some cases, the air filter is changed even in the pre-determined revisions by the automakers or authorized dealerships.
refrigerant gas leak
If the air conditioner is not cooling, the problem could be directly related to the refrigerant gas leak. This problem is a little more difficult to identify, but still very simple to solve. It usually happens because one of the equipment connections is not tight and causing this “disorder”.
The identification of this problem can be done with a little water and soap, as well as with cooking gas cylinders. When passing this mixture, turn on the air conditioner. Where there are gaps or low pressure, some bubbles will start to form.
In case it’s just a loose connection, just screw it more tightly. Now, if there are holes or other damage, you will need to replace it. However, this disruption can only be adjusted by professionals who have the right materials and tools. The breakage needs to be repaired with solder and later they will refill with gas.
In both cases (slightly tight connections or breakages), remember to recharge the air conditioner if you have lost a lot of material. In this case, it is better to seek a specialist to assist you in the process.
Air conditioning compressor check
For the air conditioning to be in perfect operation, the air conditioning compressor needs to be lubricated at all times. If even for a few moments, this lubrication stops happening, the air conditioner will not freeze.
This happens due to a defect, wear, or poor maintenance. Contact a specialized workshop to have the system repaired as soon as possible. To ensure that this maintenance is always correct, carry out the car revisions at the indicated periods. This helps keep all components in perfect working order.
Look for signs of electrical failure
Also, a quite common reason why the air conditioning is not freezing, is that electrical failure is usually ignored, but it is more frequent than you might think. In this case, the fans stop working or do not work properly, ventilating only internally, not expelling air through the outlets. This process means that the system’s cooling does not spread through the car, causing problems, from the simple lack of cooling inside the vehicle to the overloading of the system, which leaves them with nowhere to send the airflow.
An expert needs to analyze the system as a whole to identify the problem and adjust it. In this case, if the problem is simpler, an auto electrician can solve it. But in case the system has been overloaded too much, some mechanical components of the air conditioner also need to be checked.
Other reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling down
In addition to the problems mentioned above, other parts are responsible for the air conditioning not being freezing. Some defects in the condenser fan, for example. This case is generally motivated by the wear of the part.
Compressor defects, blown air conditioning compressor fuse, some relay defect, which is more difficult, but possible to happen, in addition to belt defects motivate the air not to be cold.
liquid leakage
If you notice a spot of clear, almost transparent liquid on the floor near the passenger seat, it could be a problem with the air conditioning. This is due to condensation that accumulates from the air conditioner when it is releasing cold air.
In this text, where we talk a little about oil and how to identify them, you can also learn that leaks of this type can be related to air conditioning.
A minimal run-off of water is normal, but if the amount is large and the frequency is high, it should be observed. It’s not a serious problem like the brake oil leak, for example, but it needs to be adjusted as soon as possible for this equipment to work properly again.
Tips to increase air durability and avoid problems
It was easy to identify the problem your air conditioner may be going through, huh? But how about avoiding these inconveniences and taking some daily care to increase the durability of this item? Check out some tips:
- Call daily to help with lubrication, a point mentioned above;
- Do the maintenance every six months, even avoiding the accumulation of bacteria;
- Never turn on the air after leaving the car in the sun, as this causes a temperature shock, taking too long to cool down.
There are three attitudes that seem simple, but that directly influence its perfect functioning. If you want more tips, we have a complete guide for you to increase the durability of your air conditioner.
How to clean the air conditioner
In addition to using the equipment correctly and performing recurring maintenance, worrying about cleaning the automotive air conditioning is very important, both for the vehicle and for the driver or passengers.
It is possible to clean an air conditioner at home with a few small adjustments. In this way, you save, on average, about R$100, the average price charged for cleaning. Check out our guide on how to clean your air conditioner.
With all the information you have read in this content, it will be difficult to ask the question: “Why is the air conditioner not freezing?”. Just plug in and cool off!
Did you like the tips? What do you usually do to leave your car’s air conditioning in the cracks? Tell us in the comments!
Avoid headaches: quote your insurance
More than protecting your car with maintenance and revisions, taking out Geico auto insurance is essential to ensure that it is covered in the most diverse situations. we quote with more than 16 insurance companies and set up a plan according to your needs and profile.
Want to protect your car against any unforeseen? So make an online quote without commitment, or if you prefer, you can call toll-free on 0800 773 3000 and speak directly with a consultant.