AC keeps you cool whether you’re stuck in gridlock, on a road trip, or need a break from the heat of a New Jersey summer. As time passes, AC components will age or get damaged, and the system won’t produce cold air. As your Acura dealer, we want to tell you a few signs you may need to visit us for AC maintenance.
Signs You Need AC Maintenance at Your Acura Dealer
Blocked Air Vents
Your AC needs a continual flow of air to cool. Air enters the AC system through a small vent situated below the windshield. This air is chilled and then blows through the cabin vents to keep you cool. Air that enters the vents can contain dirt and other debris, and some of this junk can block the cabin air vents. If this happens, airflow will be restricted or shut off, and you’ll hear strange noises like rustling or rattling from the ducts.
The external vent can easily become blocked by leaves, mud, or dirt and prevent air from reaching the AC. If the AC doesn’t receive air, it won’t run. Our technicians will examine the vents and clear any blockages, and your AC will work effectively.
Wet Passenger Carpet
A wet front passenger carpet on a day with no rain means an AC problem. During the cooling process, the refrigerant removes moisture from the air so it can be chilled. The water is diverted to the evaporator heater box and then drains through a rubber tube onto the ground.
The tube can become blocked by dirt or bacteria growth. When your AC is switched off over the winter, bacteria will multiply in the dark. In either case, a blocked drain tube causes the heater box to fill and then overflow. It’s positioned behind the fireboard on the front passenger side, and it will soak the carpet. We’ll clear or replace the tube, and the water will drain normally again.
Loud Noises
Your AC doesn’t make any noise when it works. It’s so quiet that the only way you’ll usually realize it’s on is the sound of gusting air if you choose the highest blow speed on the AC dial. If it’s quiet, and you listen hard, you might hear the clicking sound of the compressor clutch switching the compressor on and off as air moves through the cooling process.
Rusting, rattling, clunking, and other odd noises mean something is wrong. As we saw above, rustling is usually caused by a build-up of dirt and debris in the ducts. The harsher rattling and clunking noises could be made by loose or damaged components, like broken bearings. We’ll examine your AC and fix the problem.
If you have an AC problem, contact our service department at Open Road Acura of Wayne in Wayne, NJ.
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