Once upon a time, air conditioning was a nice-to-have, found only in luxury or expensive models of cars. Nowadays, it’s pretty much a standard feature of most modern cars on the market. We’re increasingly reliant on being able to keep cool on long summer journeys in our vehicles, just as much as we need the heater in winter! If you frequently travel with kids or pets, both of which are more sensitive to extremes of temperature, you’ll want to know your air con is functioning effectively.

Warning Signs Your AC Needs Help

Here are some of the warning signs that there may be a problem, as well as some of the cures to get it sorted.

• A persistent gas, chemical or exhaust fume smell within the main body of the car can come from a number of sources, but the air con is definitely high up on that list. The smell could be an indication that there’s a leak in the system. These fumes can cause dizziness or headaches, so it’s critical you get this issue checked out as soon as you can, as it’s a possible health risk.
• A lingering smell of damp could mean that your air conditioning has developed mould. As this is something that can build up over time, there’s potential for it to damage the internal workings of your air con system, so have it looked at by a mechanic when you are able to.
• An acrid, pungent odour that comes on when you switch the air con on might be a sign that dirt, dust and grime are starting to block pipes within the system. Again, this can cause damage to the internals, so speak to your garage and ask them to diagnose the issue.

Routine Maintenance Helps Prevent Problems

We make no apologies for saying this again, because it’s true! Things, including the air conditioning, are less likely to go wrong on your car if you have them looked at and serviced where necessary by an experienced mechanic on a regular basis. Addressing problems early can save you a great deal of money on repair and replacement over the longer term.

With your air conditioning, it’s reliant on a gas called refrigerant. This is what produces the cold air that’s pumped throughout the body of your car when you turn your air con on. If your air conditioning isn’t producing the cool temperatures you’re used to, one of the main culprits will be the refrigerant. This needs replacing from time to time in a process called ‘regassing’ or an air con recharge. Alternatively, the refrigerant may be leaking away from a crack in the pipes. Either way, a quick trip to your local garage can solve the problem.

Why not check the air conditioning on your car today and see if you can spot any of these warning signs? If there does seem to be anything wrong, Wimborne Tyres & Auto Centre Ltd in Dorset will be delighted to help address any problems.