Auto AC Repair Services in College Station, Texas
Ready for an Oil Change?
There are a few specific things that can go wrong with your vehicle’s air conditioning. The biggest reason for a routine AC check is refrigerant; your vehicle will use up around 15 percent of its refrigerant each year, so eventually you’ll need to get that replaced. Also, each individual part of the air conditioner can sustain damage through everyday use, but a routine AC service check can help you identify problems and get minor repairs made before they snowball into big issues. How Often Do You Need an AC Recharge? Generally speaking, you’ll only need to get an AC recharge when you notice that the air isn’t as cool or as refreshing as it used to be. With that said, make sure you’re getting the unit inspected at least once a year, just to make sure there aren’t any underlying problems that need to be addressed.
How Your Auto Air Conditioning Works
Contrary to popular belief, your auto air conditioning doesn’t simply create cool air. Actually, the process is quite a bit more complicated and multifaceted than that. It begins when the compressor condenses your vehicle’s refrigerant—raising its temperature and sending it to the condenser, where it begins to lose heat. Passing through a dryer, the air is stripped of pollutants and airborne contaminants. In the accumulator, it’s cooled further still, and also depressurized. It eventually makes its way to the ventilation system, where it’s cooled down completely, and is released into your cabin as nice, refreshing air.
Get to Know Your Auto Air Conditioning
Most of us assume we know how the auto air conditioning system works. You press the button and your car’s air vents produce cool, refreshing air—right? Well, actually, it’s a bit more complicated than that. The quick synopsis: Your air conditioning unit produces air that’s actually quite hot, but through a multi-step system it’s both cooled down and also cleared of moisture and contaminants. This is a process that begins with your vehicle’s refrigerant and ends with cool air coming through the vents—providing you with a comfortable ride no matter the weather.
When is it Time for Auto AC Service?
As for when it’s necessary to get your AC looked at, the short answer is: Any time you find that you’re not getting cool air like you used to. Additionally, it’s typically smart to have an AC check once or twice a year, as part of your preventative maintenance. This helps you keep ahead of any potential problems, resolving them before they turn into bigger or more expensive repair needs.
Why Auto Air Conditioning Repair Matters
Responsible car owners get their oil changed about twice a year. They get their tires rotated, as well. They might do this work themselves; more likely, they go to a service station like Meineke in College Station TX. As you show diligence to these routine auto maintenance steps, don’t forget about your auto air conditioning. Your auto air conditioning works harder than you might think: It takes hot air and cools it, cleans out contaminants, and removes extra moisture. Through a multi-step process, it moves cool air from your refrigerant (Freon) to the vents, where you finally get to experience cool, refreshing air in your cabin. That’s a lot of hustle, so it’s no wonder your auto air conditioning needs some TLC from time to time.
Why Getting an AC Check is So Important
There are a couple of things that can cause your auto air conditioning system to malfunction. The first is that it simply runs out of refrigerant; a regular AC check will help prevent this from happening. Also, your AC can simply undergo too much wear and tear. Any one component can malfunction, but addressing the problem early on prevents the repair needs from becoming too big or expensive.