At McCarts Auto Center, customer service and quality care are our top priorities. We employ experienced, certified technicians trained to provide premium total-car care, and we use state-of-the-art equipment and premium parts to ensure the quality of our work.
Heating & air conditioning system repair and maintenance
Every ride in your vehicle should be a comfortable one. There is not much worse than getting in a really hot car only to find the a/c won’t come on. Likewise, the drive to work in a cold car is a miserable commute The air conditioning and heating system of your vehicle is the key to that comfort. McCart’s Auto Center performs routine auto A/C maintenance and heating system repairs which will keep your car comfortable for you and your passengers.
Why You Should Service Your AC Before You Need It This Summer
Winter has ended, spring is here, and soon, that summer heat will be back. For those living in Conyers, GA, this means that your AC will be put to the ultimate test. The question is: will it pass?
Your car's air conditioning is continuously subjected to heat from the engine, dirt, road debris, vibrations, sudden stops, and maybe a collision with a curb. Small fractures may form in the AC unit as a result of the stress or the connections may come loose, causing refrigerant to leak out.
You don't want your air conditioning to break down while driving anywhere in the harsh southern summer, whether it’s near or far. If you can't recall the last time you had your auto air conditioner serviced, it's likely in need of some TLC by the experts at McCart’s Auto Center.
How Often Should You Service Your AC?
So, you're wondering how often your car's air conditioner should be serviced. In short: it's a good idea to have your car's air conditioner serviced at least once a year. Some car technicians may suggest service twice a year, once in the fall after the summer's high temperatures have passed and before winter begins, and then again in the spring before summer to avoid heatstroke. But in most cases, once a year will suffice.
The most common service that your AC can receive is a recharge, which is simply a refill of refrigerant. For older automobiles still using Freon as a refrigerant, this is a typical maintenance need. Most new vehicles now either use R134a or R1234YF as a refrigerant, which both require less frequent recharging. There's a sizable chance that you have a leak somewhere in the system if you have a new vehicle that frequently needs more refrigerant.
What Happens if You Don’t Get It Serviced?
Simply put, minor issues get worse. If your refrigerant runs out, for instance, the system as a whole may continue to blow air—albeit warm air—but the mechanical components such as the compressor will be strained. It may overheat or burn out entirely, footing you with a far more costly repair bill.
Bad smells coming from your AC shouldn’t be ignored, either. Mold, fungi, bacteria, and/or other gross debris could have accumulated in your evaporator. Wet socks, rotten eggs, and vinegar-like odors are the most common odors that shops hear about. If the stench isn't enough to convince you to have your car's air conditioning checked, consider that spores and bacteria will enter the cabin and travel from there to your lungs.
How to Diagnose and Repair
You won't always be able to discern the difference between low refrigerant and other issues unless you have some knowledge in engineering or as a mechanic. Additionally, with the evolution of electronic parts in today's vehicles, DIY AC repair is no longer a safe or viable option. The method and measurements are so precise that an amateur repair could spell disaster for the system. Because AC systems have become much more complex in recent years, you should seek the assistance of a certified auto AC technician if you ever feel like you’re in the literal hot seat while driving.
McCart’s Auto Center in Conyers is ready and available to service your car’s air conditioning, whether you’re having issues or simply want to stay on top of preventative maintenance. Give us a call or visit us in person to schedule an appointment.