Car AC tips for hot Kamloops summers
By LSG Auto Nation · · Updated
Short answer
Most of the time, car AC stops blowing cold because refrigerant, the gas that carries heat out of the car, has leaked out. A worn part, a cooling fan that isn't working or an electrical problem can also be the cause. Adding more refrigerant only lasts if the leak is found and fixed first.
Kamloops summers are some of the hottest in BC, and the Interior often goes past 30°C. An AC that only blows lukewarm air quickly becomes a real problem. The good news is that most AC problems give you a warning before the system stops working completely.
How does car AC work?
Your car’s AC works a lot like a fridge. A pump called the compressor moves a special gas, called refrigerant, around a sealed loop. The gas soaks up heat inside the car. It then gets rid of that heat at the front of the car, through a part called the condenser, which sits in front of the radiator. If any part of that loop leaks or stops working, the cold air stops too.
Why isn’t my AC blowing cold?
The most common reason is a slow leak. Over time, hoses and seals can crack and let the refrigerant escape. Other common causes:
- The compressor, the pump that drives the system, is wearing out
- The condenser at the front of the car is clogged with bugs and dirt
- The cooling fan isn’t turning on
- A fuse, switch or wire in the AC controls has failed
Will an AC recharge fix it?
A recharge means refilling the refrigerant, and it brings the cold air back if the system is low. But refrigerant doesn’t get used up like gas. If it’s low, it has leaked out. A proper AC service checks for leaks as well as refilling the system, so you don’t end up back at the shop a few weeks later.
How can I keep my AC working well?
- Use it now and then, even in winter. Running it for a few minutes keeps the seals from drying out. In many cars, the windshield defroster runs the AC for you.
- Change the cabin air filter when your owner’s manual says to. A clogged filter means weak airflow and can cause bad smells.
- Keep the front of the car clean. Bugs and dirt build up on the condenser behind the grille.
- Get it checked in spring, before the first heat wave, when you’re not in a rush.
Signs your AC needs attention
- The air starts cold, then turns warm
- Weak airflow from the vents
- A musty smell when you turn it on
- Clicking or squealing when the AC switches on