One of everyone’s favourite features in a vehicle on a warm day is air conditioning. By keeping you cool, the air conditioning helps to make longer trips far more pleasant, which is why it’s so important that your air conditioning works when you’re ready to get behind the wheel. Signature Tire knows this, and we’re here to keep you cool with a working air conditioner during the hot summer months.
How Does the Air Conditioner Work?
At the most basic level, your air conditioner is comprised of three main components (as well as a number of minor parts), the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. When these parts are working together, your air conditioner will cool the air that’s pushed into your vehicle’s passenger cabin, resulting in an environment that is an ideal temperature for driving.
How Do I Know if my Air Conditioner Needs to be Repaired?
After a while, your air conditioner may be in need of repair. If this is the case for you, be sure to bring your vehicle into your local Signature Tire. If you’re not quite sure if your air conditioner is in need of repair, here are a few things you can do to test it out:
- Turn your air conditioning on to its maximum setting – Sometimes the most obvious test is the best. In this case, start your vehicle and turn its A/C up to the highest setting. If you’re finding a lack of cool air coming out of the vents, then your A/C is probably in need of repair.
- Feel for cold air – Again, a very obvious test, but one that can yield results. With your A/C turned on, put your hand near the vent to test whether there is cold air coming out.
- Listen for noises – With the A/C on, put your ear near the vent and listen for noises. Uncommon noises can be a sign that your compressor is damaged and in need of repair.
- Smell the air – Smelling the air can help you to determine if you have a leak, especially if the air has a distinctly unusual smell. In addition to being a sign that you need to repair your air conditioner, this can also be a sign that you need to replace your cabin air filter.
Nobody wants to drive around on a hot summer day with an air conditioner that doesn’t work. If you’re having trouble with your A/C and want it taken care of before the weather gets warm, stop into your nearest Signature Tire today.
