Car air conditioning repair
Air conditioning is not optional in this city. It is also the system people most often have “recharged” repeatedly without anyone finding out why it keeps losing refrigerant.
A sealed system does not consume refrigerant. If it is low, it is leaking. We test for the leak first — adding gas to a leaking system means it will be warm again in a few months and the refrigerant ends up in the atmosphere.
When to have it looked at
- Air that is cool but not cold, or cold only when moving
- Air that was cold last summer and is not this one
- A musty smell when you turn it on
- Loud noise or a rattle when the compressor engages
- Weak airflow even at full fan
- Windows that will not demist properly — the A/C dries the air
What A/C service covers
- Measure system pressures on both sides
- Leak test — dye or electronic detection
- Inspect the compressor, clutch, condenser and hoses
- Check the cabin air filter, a common cause of weak airflow
- Evacuate, repair and recharge to the correct weight
- Confirm vent temperature before you leave
We tell you what we found and what it costs before we do the work. Nothing happens that you did not agree to.
Frequently asked questions
Can you just top it up?
We can, but if it is low it is leaking, and a top-up is a temporary fix on a problem that will return. We would rather find the leak and tell you what fixing it involves.
Why does it smell when I turn it on?
Usually moisture and bacteria in the evaporator or a cabin filter that is overdue. The filter is cheap and often solves it.
It blows cold when driving but warm in traffic. Why?
That pattern often points to airflow across the condenser — a cooling fan not running, or a blocked condenser. It is worth checking before summer.