Since winter in Las Vegas, NV doesn’t get very cold (at least compared to a lot of other climates), you probably use your air conditioner more than people in other many areas of the country. Is it working properly? How can you be sure? You might wonder how to tell if your car’s air conditioning is broken and needs to be fixed by a proper auto repair shop.
Here are some ways to know if your car needs air conditioning repair:
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- Warm air comes out of the vents: If you turn your air conditioner on and the air feels warm, that could just be temporary. Sometimes it takes a minute or two for your air conditioner to kick on and start cooling the air. However, if the air stays warm even after your vehicle has warmed up, you should have it examined by a professional.
- Little to no air comes out: If little to no air comes out of the air conditioning vents, there could be something blocking the vents or the filter. Have a mechanic take a look at your air conditioner to see if they can find the problem. With any luck, there’s just some leaves or other debris blocking the vents. If that’s not the problem, there may be an issue with the machinery itself.
- Strange noises coming from the AC: Strange noises are never a good sign, no matter what car part you’re observing. If you notice rumbling, rattling or clacking noises from the air conditioner, turn it off until you can take your car in for repairs.
- Odd smells coming from the vents: Nasty odors in the air conditioning vents could be a sign that you’re growing mold or mildew inside the AC. Since this is a health hazard, you’ll want to take your car to your mechanic as soon as possible. If you notice respiratory issues (congestion, sniffling and sneezing), that’s additional confirmation.
- Water stains inside your vehicle: When you run your air conditioner for a long period of time, you’ll probably notice condensation coming from underneath the vehicle. That’s normal—but if it’s not draining, there could be a problem. Look at the floors of your car. If you notice water leaking into your vehicle, you may need air conditioner repair or replacement.
- Coolant leaks: Finally, look for coolant leaks under your car. While water drainage is normal, coolant drainage is not. This can be hard to spot—some people use dye to make it clear what’s coolant and what’s water. Your best bet is to take the vehicle to your local repair shop for assistance.
These are the top ways to know if your air conditioning in your car needs to be fixed. However, if you suspect something is wrong, let the team at Qwest Automotive Service in Las Vegas, NV help. We can find the source of your problem as well as the best way to fix it. Don’t suffer without an air conditioner—contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you soon!