How Often Does Your Car Air Conditioning Need Repairing?

While most people understand the importance of a routine car service, some neglect their A/C system until something goes wrong.

But by taking proactive measures to maintain your A/C system, this will ensure you stay cooler in summer during those hot sweltering days. It will also help reduce cabin humidity and keep your windscreen fog-free, enabling you to see the road clearly.

In this informative guide, you’ll learn how to spot the warning signs of a malfunctioning A/C system, better understand the price structure of an A/C service, and book an appointment online or over the phone.

How Often Does Your Car Air Conditioning Need Repairing?

Most car manufacturers recommend having a car air conditioning service every one or two years.

This is because your car naturally loses refrigerant gas over time, about 10 percent annually. If left unused during winter, various A/C components – including the hoses – can dry out and crack, resulting in excess leakage. Some drivers also complain about noxious smells coming from the vents. This happens when moisture and leftover water remains in the A/C ducts, which creates the perfect growing conditions for mould, bacteria, and fungus.

For these reasons, it’s important to follow the A/C maintenance schedule in your car owner’s manual – especially for maintaining your warranty. To ensure your A/C is running optimally, here is how to monitor it and know when to book an air conditioning repair in Melbourne.

Telling Signs Your Air Conditioning Needs a Service

There are many quick, easy ways to diagnose a malfunctioning A/C. You can usually tell something is amiss by watching out for key visual and sensory cues – odd noises, smells, and poor performance.

Sure, you may not be able to diagnose the exact source of the problem. But you will at least have a clear indication that something is wrong. You can then use this information to book a service so a licensed technician can further investigate.

Of course, even if your A/C system is running normally, if your system is overdue for a service then now is the perfect time to make a booking.

Below are the most common signs your need a car air conditioning service:

1. There is reduced airflow in the A/C vents

There are many reasons why one or more A/C vents may start producing less air. One of the most common is a build up of dirt, contaminants, and foreign materials introduced by rodents in the cabin filter.. You may also have a blown fuse or relay, which means there is no power to the blower motor or the blower motor resistor has failed due to excess current draw from the blower motor. A licensed technician will perform various tests to identify the cause of the airflow reduction.

2. Your A/C starts blowing hot air

This may happen when there is little to no refrigerant gas left to convert hot, exterior air into cool air for the cabin. A leakage will accelerate the rate at which you lose refrigerant gas. The most common source of a leak is a dry, cracked hose. But gas can also escape from a worn-out seal or component in the AC system. 

3. You notice moisture leaks around the unit

Any sign of water leaking from the A/C vents is an immediate cause for concern. This can happen when dirt or debris blocks the drainage hole and the condensation drainage backs up, then overflowing out of the vents. Book a service with a trusted local technician so they can rectify the issue.

4. The A/C starts producing odd noises

Unfamiliar sounds like clicking, ticking, grinding, squealing, and screeching could indicate a malfunctioning A/C. This should not be confused with the hissing sound you probably hear after turning the car off, your car’s natural way of equalizing pressure. However, sounds like squealing and screeching, while the car is running, could indicate a worn serpentine belt that needs replacing. It could also be the sound of a failing bearing in the compressor or drive belt system.

How Much Does an Air Conditioning Service Cost? 

The average cost of a car air conditioning repair in Melbourne is between $120 and $200 depending on where you go. Different service providers in different regions may alter their price. The age of your car may also influence the cost of a standard A/C service.

Keep in mind this only covers the cost of a standard service, including labour. If your technician discovers any potential issues with the A/C, such as a gas leak or a faulty component, you will receive a custom quote for these additional tasks.

Additional repairs for your A/C can range anywhere from $500 or more. The price of these extra repairs will depend on the severity of the issue, what parts need replacing, and the amount of time spent on manual labour.

How to Request a Quote for an Air Conditioning Service 

Any reputable service provider will give a fixed fee for a standard A/C service. You may be able to get a quote by booking an appointment online or calling the business directly. Either way, you should know exactly how much the service will cost before any work begins.

If you book your car in for a standard service, your technician may recommend a standard A/C service as well. Aside from performing the usual car service tasks, they will also test and assess your A/C system and perform a re-gas if required. Again, you should get a fixed quote for this service before any work is done.

To book an appointment for an air conditioning service at Car Servicing and You, call (03) 8560 3299 or submit your online inquiry. 

Book Your A/C Service Today

Maintaining your A/C system is vital to staying cooler in summer, removing humidity from your cabin, and demystifying the windscreen to improve visibility.

By having your car’s A/C regularly serviced by a licensed technician, this will ensure your A/C system is consistently reliable.

They will perform a thorough visual inspection of the system itself, including the vital components like the compressor, hoses, evaporator, and driving or serpentine belt. And they will conduct a comprehensive pressure and leak test to determine the source of any potential leaks. Most important of all, they will use the latest technology and methods to safely re-gas the system and replace any faulty components.

Best of all? You will have total peace of mind knowing that your A/C system is running safely, efficiently, and reliably.

At Car Servicing & You we give you honest, reliable advice about what your car needs, and what it doesn’t. We have locations in Ormond and Keilor Park for your convenience. Book online today and we’ll take care of the rest.