Your vehicle’s aircon system is charged with a gas or refrigerant that, over time, simply dissipates (evaporates, vanishes) from the system. The refrigerant gas also acts as a lubricating fluid (much like motor oil lubricates the engine) that ensures the rubber seals and gaskets in the aircon system don’t dry out and crack, resulting in leaks. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to run your aircon for at least 10 minutes every week, no matter what the season.
On average, your vehicle’s aircon system will lose around 10 percent of its gas annually. As the amount of gas in the system decreases, so too does the aircon’s ability to perform to its full potential – and keep the system nicely lubricated. Furthermore, if you let the system run low on refrigerant the compressor will also have to work twice as hard, which means it will wear out quicker.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you have your vehicle’s aircon system checked and re-gassed every two years at Car Cool, Rangiora’s air-conditioning specialists. However, don’t simply re-gas – first get the system checked out, because if there is a leak somewhere, re-gassing will serve no purpose as the gas will just leak out again.
Car Cool’s team of qualified technicians use sophisticated testing gear, so we can quickly check for leaks and diagnose the condition of the aircon system, and help get any air-conditioning repairs sorted for you. So give us a call or pop in to see us today!
If you’ve got a bit of a pong coming from your vehicle’s aircon vents, you could have a problem lurking inside your aircon system or your cabin air filter – or both.
Aircon system: Your vehicle’s aircon system not only cools the air in your vehicle, it also dehumidifies it. However, that moisture must go somewhere, forming water droplets on the system’s evaporator core behind your instrument panel, which then run out of a drain tube to the ground outside. As it’s a damp environment, it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould and mildew.
Over time these organisms build up, and when you switch on the aircon, the air that passes over the evaporator also carries the foul smell of these organisms with it into your vehicle.
To fix this problem, simply come see us at Car Cool. We have a machine that will kill the bacteria and deodorise the system for you.
Cabin air filter: Another possible cause for a smelly aircon could be a dirty cabin air filter. Most cars are equipped with cabin air filters these days. Their purpose is to remove dust, pollen and other allergens from the air drawn into your car’s interior for air-conditioning.
Over time, the cabin air filter gets dirty and can become blocked, trapping moisture in its layers. Anywhere there’s a humid environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Then, when you turn on the aircon system (or the interior fan), air flows through the dirty cabin air filter and brings with it the foul smell of the bacteria.
If your cabin air filter is causing the pong from your aircon, it’s an easy fix as you just need a new cabin air filter, which is usually simple and inexpensive to replace. We at Car Cool, your North Canterbury air-conditioning service, will be able to sort this for you too.
An engine will overheat if there is something inside the cooling system that is preventing the absorption, transportation or release of heat. While there can be many different reasons as to why your vehicle is overheating, one thing you can be sure of is that an overheating vehicle is a sign that something is seriously wrong – and if you ignore it you could quickly be in line for some major and expensive repairs.
If your vehicle overheats in traffic in normal weather, there are a number of possible culprits, such as a low level of radiator coolant, a leak in the cooling system, a blocked radiator, a malfunctioning thermostat, a failed water pump, an electrical fault or something faulty in the engine itself.
No matter what the cause though, an overheating engine is a serious sign and should never be ignored.
If you find you vehicle is running a bit of a temperature, bring it straight to us at Car Cool, Rangiora’s radiator repair company. We pressure-test cooling systems for free, so we’ll quickly be able to tell you if you’ve got a leak. We’re also skilled at all vehicle cooling system and radiator repairs, so will be able to expertly sort the overheating problem for you.
WHY CHOOSE CAR COOL AIR CONDITIONING AND RADIATOR SPECIALISTS?
Don’t put up with sub-par temperatures any longer – get in touch and we’ll get you sorted.
WE’RE LOCAL
Centrally located in Rangiora, we’re an easy drive from northern Christchurch or North Canterbury.
WE’RE EXPERIENCED
With 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we’ve got the knowledge to sort out your air conditioning issues.
WE’RE STRAIGHT UP
We’ll work with you to find a cost-effective solution to your air conditioning or radiator woes – no bull!
WE’RE UNIQUE
As North Canterbury’s only specialist air conditioning workshop, why would you trust anyone else?