Three reasons why your car’s AC isn’t working

Winter is behind us and things are heating back up in the Sunshine state. Our Orlando Toyota service center wants to make sure you’re prepared with an air conditioning system that’s running at its best. So don’t fall victim to the heat and keep your AC condenser in tip-top shape with this easy car maintenance breakdown.

The important of AC car maintenance

What does an AC condenser do? 

Your AC condenser is a hero when it comes to cooling down your car. It converts your refrigerant from a gas to a liquid state so the refrigerant can freely move through your air conditioning system. The new liquid form of refrigerant then goes on to become the cold air that comes out of your vents. However, this conversion produces a significant amount of heat into the system. And if your AC condenser reaches too high of a temperature it will not be able to produce cold air. This is when your AC condenser fan steps in. It does exactly what you would think it does, cools down your condenser. This prevents condenser overheating and allows it to carry out its job correctly. All that being said the car maintenance secret to a functioning AC system is a functioning condenser fan. 

How do you know if your AC fan is defective or failing? 

Our Orlando technicians assured us it’s easy to spot a fan in need of car maintenance. They gave us this list of what to look out for and what each symptom means. Check it out!

  

1. Overheating while idling

 

If you notice your vehicle overheating while idling, your fan has most likely failed. If this truly is the case the overheating will cease when you begin to move. This is due to the cooling and increased airflow that’s delivered to the condenser when the car is moving.

2. Warm air
 

Perhaps the most common symptom of a failed AC condenser fan is lukewarm air. When warm is coming from your vents you can assume your fan is not properly cooling the condenser. And as you now know, when your condenser reaches too high of temperature it can no longer convert refrigerant into the liquid form your AC system needs.

3. Burning odor 
 

If you’re met with a burning smell every time you turn on your air conditioning system you need to bring your car to our Orlando service center ASAP. This symptom is more serious as it affects your entire AC system. A burning smell indicates your condenser has overheated so intensely it’s causing your entire AC system to burn. And the longer you ignore this, the more severe the damage will be. 

Keep it cool with Toyota of Orlando

As you can see your AC system is an automotive component you should never ignore. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms on our list come to Toyota of Orlando. Our staff of certified techs will give you the car maintenance you need to keep you cool for the hot months ahead. Call and schedule your appointment today at (407) 298-4500, and be sure to check out our auto service specials online before you stop in!