Car AC Recharge: What Is It And Why Is It Important?

You probably won’t be paying too much attention to your car’s air conditioning system until it ceases to function properly in scorching hot weather. A faulty air conditioner is more than just an inconvenience. It can also cause potential risks, especially if you are stuck in a line of traffic with the temperature soaring inside your car. 

If you notice that the air conditioning in your car starts to malfunction, and it no longer blows cool air, it is a vital sign that the system may need an AC recharge. AC recharging is the process of adding refrigerant to the cooling system to allow it to resume blowing cold air.

It is essential to understand that recharging your air conditioner will go a long way toward preventing future problems. With that in mind, here are a few important pointers on why your air conditioner could be malfunctioning, the indicators that it may need an AC recharge, and why it is crucial to schedule one in. 

Signs Your Car’s AC Needs Maintenance

#1. The AC Does Not Cool The Car At All

The most obvious sign that a car’s air conditioner isn’t operating properly is that it stops cooling the air temperature down in the vehicle. If you are no longer receiving cool air, even if you already set the climate control in your car to the lowest degree, then it is a sure indication that your AC system will need recharging. 

On the other hand, a clogged cabin air filter can also result in the loss of AC cooling, and therefore, it is always advisable to inspect the cabin filter first, before recharging the AC.

#2. Cool AC Turns Warm Within Minutes

One of the most crucial elements of a vehicle’s air conditioning system is the compressor clutch. The compressor clutch applies pressure to your air conditioning system, and it also maintains the refrigerant running to keep it functioning adequately. Because it is a system that constantly cycles on and off, it will ultimately wear out and eventually break. 

If there is a problem with the compressor clutch, your air conditioner will not be able to blast cool air for any considerable length of time. A dysfunctional or aging compressor will not be able to keep track of the refrigerant circulation in your system, and it won’t be able to supply you with the cool air you require.

#3. Visible leaks

There will be visible signs of refrigerant leakage, which is a more significant indication that the vehicle’s air conditioning system is in need of recharging. If you detect puddles of refrigerant beneath your car, or a greasy coating on the AC components, then a leak has already formed. The presence of a leakage will make the air conditioning system to break down, and eventually it will stop working altogether

#4. Malfunctioning AC Condenser

The compressor squeezes the refrigerant into a high-pressure vapor, transforming it into a pressurized liquid in the condenser. The condenser, which functions similarly to a radiator, and performs together with radiator fans, enables the liquified refrigerant to flow and absorb heat from the evaporator. Refrigerant leakage, or impurities obstructing refrigerant flow, are the primary causes of a malfunctioning condenser.

How Often Should You Recharge Your Air Conditioning System?

The refrigerant in a car’s air conditioning unit will essentially never run out. Therefore, in cases where there are visible signs of leakage, recharging the air conditioner with a freon is unnecessary. It is not compulsory to recharge your air conditioning system annually or even every two years. The best indicator that your car requires an AC recharge, is when the air conditioning system begins to cool at a lower rate, and its performance dips significantly. 

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air as it used to, you should seek advice and have it checked out as soon as possible. A mechanic will examine the system for refrigerant leaks before performing an evac and recharge service. However, if the mechanic discovers even a slight leakage, it will be essential to replace the damaged components.

What Is the Significance of Air Conditioning Recharge?

It is a total misconception that air conditioning units need to be topped off regularly in order to keep them operating throughout the summer. If there are no component failures or visible leaks, there is absolutely no need to top off air conditioning systems annually. Experienced mechanics can easily detect leaks and refill your vehicle with adequate amounts of refrigerants to keep your vehicle cool. 

Stay Cool With Preventative Maintenance With Mach1 Motorsports 

With regular AC maintenance, you can stay cool all year long and prevent your car’s air conditioning system from malfunctioning during the hottest days. Regardless of the kind of vehicle you own, a car’s air conditioning efficiency reduces overtime, and you need to monitor it and seek any necessary maintenance. 

At Mach1 Motorsports, we are passionate about keeping cars in top condition. We provide a comprehensive list of preventative maintenance services to keep you safe and cool on the road. Our services include a thorough check of essential components and a restoration of refrigerants to appropriate levels. Contact us today and book an appointment for our air conditioning services.