Car A/C Not Cold Enough
As the temperatures start rising during the hotter months of the year, a common problem that drivers face is their car’s A/C not running cold enough. Fortunately, you do not have to keep sweating it out behind the wheel. These problems can be easily fixed and you will be back on the road in no time.
Common Causes for Car A/C Not Cold Enough
There can be a variety of problems with your car that led to poor cold air circulation from your A/C. Check out some of the common problems that mechanics face every year:
- Your A/C only cools while driving: If your car is not cold enough while idling, the fan just needs to be replaced. In most cases, your A/C is fine.
- Your A/C is not blowing any air: If you are not receiving adequate air circulation from your vents, your fan is not the only thing that needs to be replaced. There is a high chance that you have encountered ventilation issues that are preventing fresh air from entering your car from the outside.
- Your A/C is only blowing hot air: While it is clear that it is not cooling your vehicle, your fan still remains in good shape. This could be from a clogged orifice tube, a bad compressor, or a refrigerant leak. Regardless of the cause, you will never know exactly what’s wrong until you get it checked by a professional.
Can You Make Your Car A/C Colder?
Yes, there are ways to make your car A/C colder and blow out cold air faster. If you are driving alone, you can turn off the A/C vents at the passenger side. There should be a control mechanism on each air vent that allows drivers to point and re-position air flow. If you shut the A/C vents directed to the passenger side, you can receive more airflow to the A/C vents on the driver’s side.
Let’s say that your car has been parked outside under the scorching sun for some time. You can minimize the heat inside by getting your A/C to release cold air as quickly as possible. To do this: start your engine, set the blower fan to maximum speed, and then switch on the A/C. Remember to wind down all the windows in your car for a minute or two, and turn the knob to ‘Recirculate’ mode.
Is it Safe to Add Refrigerant on Your Own?
Yes, it is possible to add refrigerant on your own. Today, auto stores sell refrigerant products, such as A/C R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant, that can recharge your car’s A/C system. Oftentimes, these products come with a gauge that tells you when your A/C is fully charged. In addition, it impossible to pump refrigerant through the wrong ports, thus there is nothing to worry about. If you are not sure at any point, you should always leave this task to the hands of a professional.