When Wilmington, NC temperatures rise in the summer, that last thing you’ll want is to be stuck with a car AC that isn’t working properly. If something is “off” with your air conditioner, it may be a simple AC recharge issue.
In this blog, we…
- Explain what an AC recharge is
- Tell you how frequently you need an AC recharge
- List common signs that you need more refrigerant
- And outline steps you can take to prevent frequent AC recharges
What is an AC recharge?
An AC recharge is the process of adding refrigerant to your car’s air conditioning system.
Most auto manufacturers suggest getting an AC recharge every two years – at least for older vehicles that use the refrigerant Freon. But many modern cars take a new refrigerant called R134a that lasts significantly longer.
Have a new car that needs frequent AC recharges? You likely have a leak somewhere in your air conditioning system. Before you add more refrigerant, bring your vehicle to the PAS shop for an inspection.
Signs that your car air conditioner needs a recharge
It can be hard to tell if your vehicle AC needs recharged. If you notice any of the following problems with your air conditioner, it’s time to schedule an appointment.
- Weak airflow – Is the flow of air from your car vents weaker than you’re used to? It may be time for an AC recharge.
- Warm air blowing from vents – Nothing is worse than a blast of hot air from your car AC amid summer heat. When your vehicle is low on refrigerant, your evaporator core cannot reach the ideal temperature for cooling. If your AC isn’t releasing cool air – or is taking a while to work up to cold air – you likely need more refrigerant.
- Frozen AC lines – If your air conditioner lines are covered in ice, your refrigerant levels may be too low. Remember, your car AC can still freeze even if temperatures soar into the 80s or 90s.
- AC clutch not engaging – When you switch on your AC, the clutch on your compressor engages, making a slight click. But if the refrigerant level is too high or too low, your compressor clutch may fail to engage. Any refrigerant in your system won’t circulate, and your car won’t cool.
- Visible refrigerant leaks – Notice a puddle of a greasy liquid underneath your vehicle? Your AC might be leaking refrigerant! This is a more serious problem that needs more than a DIY recharge. You’ll definitely need to schedule an appointment with a professional car mechanic.
Recharging your air conditioner
While adding a little Freon may work if you’ve simply run out of refrigerant, it’s still best to bring your car by the shop for a recharge. The symptoms above could indicate even larger issues with your car air conditioning system that require a skilled mechanic.
The technicians at Performance Auto Specialists use an Exact Charge System to measure precisely how much Freon your vehicle needs – no more, no less. That way you won’t run into any issues down the road.
There are several steps you can take to prevent frequent recharges, including…
- Conducting regular maintenance and cleaning your car AC
- Checking for system leaks and repairing them promptly
- Using your AC in a fuel-efficient way
- Decreasing AC use when possible
Performance Auto Specialists | Wilmington, NC
If your car AC isn’t working as well as it should, don’t wait to address it! Bring your vehicle into the Performance Auto Specialists shop for an inspection. Wilmington’s most trusted auto repair specialists, we will inspect your entire system and get you back on the road in no time!
Think it may be time for a car AC recharge? Our skilled team has you covered – just give us a call at (910) 343-1650.
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