Blog Layout
DOES MY CAR HAVE AN AC EVAPORATOR LEAK?
American Pride Automotive • Oct 10, 2016
HERE IS HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAR HAS AN AC LEAK!
If your vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t working or is underperforming, you’ve certainly noticed it in the recent persistent heat wave. There are plenty of reasons this could be the case (See: “My Car’s AC Is Blowing Hot Air!” for a few possibilities), but a problem we see frequently is a leaking evaporator coil.
Also known as the evaporator core, this component helps regulate AC temperature by cycling refrigerant through the system–essentially converting warm air to cool air with the help of the engine’s blower fan and compressor. A leak in the evaporator coil disrupts this process and eventually causes the system to fail.
WHAT CAUSES EVAPORATOR LEAKS?
While most leaks are caused by damaged outer seams on the evaporator core, others are a result of corrosion inside the unit. This usually happens when leaves or other debris make their way in through the air intake and decompose. No matter what the cause of the leak, you will need to get it replaced. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if the evaporator core is the culprit is to bring it in to an experienced auto mechanic like American Pride Automotive.
A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE
A customer recently brought their truck into the shop with AC problems and we narrowed down the issue to be a pretty clearly leaky evaporator. Diagnosing and repair an evaporator core is a labor intensive process.
This type of heat and humidity all but requires your car’s air conditioning to be working at 100%. If it’s not, call or contact American Pride Automotive. Our staff will diagnose the problem, whether it’s an evaporator core leak or something else, and fix it so that you can get back to enjoying the summer–wherever the road takes you.
We want to say thank you to all of our healthcare and first responders. Please accept this specialized offer.
You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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