Car Air Conditioning FAQs – Hereford Service and MOT Centre
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Air Conditioning
A working air-conditioning system helps keep your vehicle comfortable in warm weather and can also help demist the windows.
Hereford Service and MOT Centre can help with vehicle air-conditioning problems and maintenance, subject to the system and service required.
Why is my car air conditioning not blowing cold air?
There are several possible reasons why your air conditioning may not be producing cold air.
Potential causes include low refrigerant, a refrigerant leak, compressor problems, electrical faults or another issue within the air-conditioning system.
A proper inspection can help identify the cause.
Does my car need an air conditioning re-gas?
If your air conditioning has gradually become less effective, the refrigerant level may be low.
However, poor cooling doesn’t automatically mean that a re-gas is the answer. There could be a leak or another fault within the system.
What is an air conditioning re-gas?
An air-conditioning re-gas involves removing and replacing the refrigerant in the vehicle’s air-conditioning system using the appropriate procedure and equipment for that vehicle.
The system can then be checked to ensure it is operating correctly.
How often should car air conditioning be re-gassed?
There isn’t one fixed interval that applies to every vehicle.
Air-conditioning systems can gradually lose refrigerant over time. If your system is no longer cooling as effectively as it used to, having it checked can help determine whether a re-gas or another repair is required.
Why is my car air conditioning blowing warm air?
Warm air can be caused by low refrigerant, a leak, a compressor fault, an electrical issue or another problem within the system.
A technician should diagnose the problem rather than simply assuming the refrigerant needs replacing.
Can you check my air conditioning for leaks?
Where the appropriate equipment and service are available, the air-conditioning system can be checked for signs of leakage.
If refrigerant is repeatedly being lost, identifying the cause is important before simply recharging the system again.
Why does my car air conditioning smell?
Unpleasant smells can be caused by moisture, bacteria, mould, contamination or other issues within the vehicle’s ventilation and air-conditioning system.
An inspection can help identify the likely cause and determine whether cleaning or other work is required.
Should I use my air conditioning during winter?
Yes. Using your air conditioning periodically throughout the year can help keep the system operating and can also help remove moisture from the air when demisting your windows.
Does using air conditioning increase fuel consumption?
Air conditioning can increase the load placed on the vehicle and may therefore have some effect on fuel consumption.
The actual effect depends on the vehicle, driving conditions and how the air conditioning is used.
Does car air conditioning need servicing?
Air conditioning can benefit from periodic checks, particularly if the system has become less effective, develops an unusual smell or produces unusual noises.
Getting problems checked early may help prevent a minor issue becoming a more expensive repair.
Can you repair car air conditioning?
The type of repair available depends on the vehicle and the fault.
If the problem is related to refrigerant, electrical components, the compressor or another part of the system, we’ll explain what we’ve found and discuss the available options.
Do newer cars use different air-conditioning refrigerants?
Yes. Different vehicles can use different refrigerants and air-conditioning systems.
The correct refrigerant and servicing procedure depend on the vehicle, so provide your registration number when booking and we’ll confirm what is appropriate.
How long does an air conditioning service take?
The time depends on the type of service required and whether a fault needs to be investigated.
A straightforward air-conditioning service may be relatively quick, while diagnosing and repairing a leak or component fault can take longer.
Do you provide car air conditioning services in Hereford?
Yes. Hereford Service and MOT Centre provides vehicle air-conditioning services from our garage in Hereford.
Contact us if your air conditioning isn’t cooling properly or you need advice about your vehicle’s system.
Need Your Car Air Conditioning Checked?
If your air conditioning isn’t getting cold, smells unpleasant or has stopped working, contact Hereford Service and MOT Centre to discuss the problem and find out what service is required.