AC Services and Repair in Falconer, NY
Your Car's Air Conditioning System - Keeping You Cool Plus Even More!
Your auto air conditioning system, often referred to as AC system, is an integral part of the HVAC and helps keep your car's interior comfortable in any season. It provides the right temperature AND humidity level. The HVAC system also helps with defroster operation, so AC is not important only in the summer. This technology may sound like a mystery to you, but I-86 Truck Repair and Auto Service in Falconer NY is your go-to repair shop for all vehicle AC needs. Your Service Advisor will advise you of the condition of your AC, explain the findings, answer any questions you may have, and provide an estimate for recommended AC repairs.
I-86 Truck Repair & Auto Service Is Not Just an Auto Repair Shop!
Our team wants to be your “Partner in Auto Care”, so let's learn what your car's air conditioning system is all about so you can make an informed decision.
A car's AC system's main components are the AC compressor, condenser, receiver/drier or accumulator, evaporator, and connecting lines. In addition, there is refrigerant (sometimes referred to as freon, R134a or R1234yf) and a dye used to detect leaks.
How Do You Know When Something Is Wrong with Your Car's AC?
Signs should you watch for when your car's air conditioning is not working properly:
- Air flow from one or more vents has declined or stopped
- Strange noises like humming, grinding or squealing
- Unpleasant odors (stale, moldy, smoke)
- Warm air from one or more vents
- Cold air from one vent, not another
- Smoke is seen when you turn on your AC
- Your AC cycles on and off repeatedly
AC Service Basics Every Car Owner Should Know
Auto air conditioning service is a general term for any preventative maintenance or repairs on your car’s AC system and may include:
- Visual inspection of system components to check condition – AC lines, compressor, dryer, drive belt, etc.
- AC operation and function will be tested
- Temps recorded at vents
- Ambient temp noted to document system performance
- Vehicle connected to AC machine to check pressures and determine if leaks are present
- A leak test is performed to find the source if the system is found to be low on pressure/refrigerant
- Dye introduced into the system to help detect leaks
- Refrigerant tested for contaminants such as incorrect refrigerant or harmful sealants
- Installation of a tamper prevention seal and sticker to protect your warranty once service/repairs have been completed
FAQ Related to Automotive Air Conditioning
My car's AC is not cooling. What is needed to fix it? The causes can vary, but things we often see are refrigerant leaks or a failed compressor. There can be electrical problems, low refrigerant, evaporator issues, bad switches or sensors, issues inside the dash with blend doors, contamination from quick-fix kits, and more. It is not possible to diagnose what is wrong without proper troubleshooting by a professional.
Can I just buy one of those car AC recharge/sealant refrigerant kits at Walmart or an auto parts store to make my car's AC cold again? That is certainly a tempting first step but STOP to consider these professional findings first. Read our full article on use of recharge kits here.
Do all auto repair shops perform Air Conditioning services and repairs? No. Some shops state they perform AC work but are not qualified. Here are two questions to ask before selecting an automotive AC repair shop:
- Are you EPA certified? Environmental Protection Agency regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require technicians who service or repair AC systems to be certified. This is because they can release ozone-depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere if their work is not performed correctly! All of our technicians are certified, and credentials displayed in our lobby according to NY State Repair Shop Regulations.
- Do you use an EPA-certified refrigerant recovery, recycling, and recharging machine? According to the EPA, technicians must use special refrigerant handling equipment that has been properly certified. This equipment is used to remove and capture any refrigerant, oils or contamination in the vehicle's air conditioning system prior to any repairs being performed. These machines can cost several thousand dollars each! Now that there are vehicles out there with 2 different types of freon, two separate machines are needed. I-86 Truck Repair & Auto Service has both machines and both refrigerants.
There is a stale odor coming from my vents. Is there something that can be done about that? Absolutely! Dirt, bacteria, mold, and mildew can accumulate in your car's AC system, evaporator, vents and cabin air filter. Our technicians can perform a BG Climate Control Service that cleans your AC system and disinfects all the air vents. It restores the cooling process and extends your vehicle's compressor life too! The cabin air filter is an inexpensive swap. You'll immediately notice quieter operation and fresher-smelling air.
Preventative Maintenance and Inspections
The Car Care Council recommends a thorough inspection of your vehicle's air conditioning system once a year. Degradation or failure of any component can be flagged and proper repairs performed prior to losing refrigerant into the atmosphere or additional damage occurring to other components. More costly repairs can be avoided! You also don't want to discover the AC system is not working while on your trip to the hot, humid southern states for Winter or Spring family vacation!
Proper Air Conditioning Testing and Repairs
A vehicle's air conditioning system can fail on many levels, so proper testing is required to determine what is causing the problem(s). Occasionally we see where a repair is made to one faulty component, and yet another problem is subsequently found. One issue ignored for too long can cause other damage! Pieces from a failed part can even contaminate the entire system. That’s why finding a trusted professional with certifications, the correct equipment, and experience is important. In the Jamestown, Falconer, and Frewsburg NY areas, only a handful of independent repair shops meet those requirements.
I-86 Truck Repair & Auto Service Is Your Trusted Repair Shop For Air Conditioning Services and Repair!
Have you noticed that automobiles are not as simple as they used to be? Continuing education on vehicle technology is more important than ever. For example - The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and sensors continually monitoring the cabin temperature and adjust your car’s air conditioning system to accommodate your preferred temperature settings. Our team is well-versed in modern vehicles’ AC systems. At I-86 Truck Repair & Auto Service in Falconer, NY, we have the equipment and training to service both R134a and the new R1234yf systems. Request your AC appointment today!
I-86 Truck Repair & Auto Service
1739 Lindquist Drive
Falconer NY 14733
“Experience The I-86 Difference!”