Is Your Car AC Not Cooling? Common Causes and Quick Fixes

Common Causes of Car AC Not Cooling

If your car’s AC is not cooling, then look for the following key causes - 

• Low or Leaking Refrigerant

Car AC refrigerant leaks are common. If your car’s AC has suddenly stopped cooling, then low refrigerant levels can be a key reason. Low refrigerant levels may make your AC lose its cooling power because the gas, which was supposed to absorb heat, isn’t there. Small leaks can also reduce the AC’s performance, allowing warm air to fill your cabin.   

• Clogged or Dirty Cabin Air Filters

Driving on dusty roads can clog your car’s air filter with dust and dirt particles. It’s a serious concern if you regularly drive in polluted environments. These dust particles can restrict airflow inside your cabin, which is why cool air may struggle to reach you. 

If you don’t clean these filters on time, it may lead to weak ventilation and unpleasant smells. 

• Faulty Compressors

Car AC compressor issues are also a common cause behind reduced AC cooling. The compressor circulates the refrigerant. Hence, if it fails, your AC system will become ineffective.  

• Electrical Issues

There can be several electrical issues which may lower your AC’s cooling capabilities. Hence, inspect your car for blown fuses, damaged wiring, or faulty sensors. These electrical issues may seem minor, but they can have a notable effect on your car’s cooling system. Some problems may cause the system to switch off unexpectedly or blow warm air.
 

Quick Fixes to Restore AC Cooling

Now that we have explored common reasons why your car’s AC may not be cooling properly, let’s take a look at some quick fixes to restore optimal AC cooling.

• Prevent Refrigerant Leaks

The simplest solution to low cooling problems is to prevent refrigerant leakage (if any). Hire a trained technician to restore the refrigerant to the desired levels, and you’ll notice an instant improvement in your car’s overall cooling. 

• Clean Condenser Units

Condenser units are easily clogged by dust or road grime. The simplest way to keep your car’s AC healthy is by cleaning it regularly. Leaving the condenser unit unclean will make it harder for the condenser to release heat, resulting in warmer air being circulated in your cabin. 

In such cases, cleaning the condenser unit with a soft brush can help. It will instantly improve airflow, restoring the AC’s cooling. 

• Check & Clean Air Filters

A quick filter check can help you fix the cooling issue instantly. So, check the filters and clean them if they have gathered too much dust. Replacement is recommended if cleaning doesn’t give the desired result. This simple fix can instantly improve airflow, restoring the AC’s cooling capabilities. 

• Check Electrical Components

Loose fuses, damaged wires, and weak relays can be a common reason why your car’s AC is not cooling correctly. You must inspect the key electrical components or have them professionally checked to identify and resolve the issue. 

• Use Window Shades

Another easy yet quick fix is using sunshades to reduce the cabin’s heat build-up, especially during summer seasons. This simple installation can boost your AC’s cooling by limiting the warm temperatures inside the cabin.
 

Maintenance Tips to Prevent AC Issues

You can follow the car AC maintenance tips listed below to retain the AC’s powerful cooling efficiency.

• Running your AC for a few minutes can preserve its cooling capabilities. Hence, run it even during winters, to keep the refrigerant and other components circulating smoothly.
• You should not overload the AC by parking it under direct sunlight. Park it under a shade or install sunshades to limit hot temperatures inside the car, especially during hot weather.
• Consider cleaning and replacing the cabin air filters regularly to maintain a smooth airflow.
• Inspect the clutch belts and electrical connections every week to prevent unexpected system failures.
• Keep the condenser area clean and free from dirt to ensure proper heat release.
• Check refrigerant levels during routine services to identify early leaks.

 

Conclusion

Every car owner has experienced car AC problems at least once. While the sudden drop in cooling efficiency may look serious, the reason behind it can be minor and easily fixable. If your car’s AC is not cooling properly, the reason may be one of the causes listed above.

Hence, inspect the common causes and follow the quick fixes we shared in this blog. It can help you restore the cooling efficiency. At times, your car AC problems can be complex and require expensive servicing or repair. You can protect yourself financially in such situations if you have a Car Insurance with greater coverage. 

The Shriram Car Insurance policy is a notable option for such cases, as it provides greater coverage without charging hefty premiums. You can easily personalise the coverage, as it provides several add-on covers, such as personal belongings cover, zero depreciation and roadside assistance.
 

FAQs

1.Why is my car’s AC not cooling?

Your car’s AC may not cool properly due to several reasons. Small electrical issues, a damaged compressor, or clogged air filters may be the key reason.
 

2.Can low refrigerant cause AC issues?

Yes, low refrigerant can cause AC issues. A refrigerant is responsible for absorbing hot air and replacing it with cool air. Hence, if the refrigerant levels become low, your car’s AC won’t be able to cool properly.
 

3.How often should cabin air filters be replaced?

If you drive regularly on dusty roads, then consider checking the filters every two weeks. You can consider cleaning them regularly. However, if the issue persists, replace them with newer filters.
 

4.What does a faulty compressor do to my AC?

A faulty compressor can affect the circulation of refrigerant. As a result, the air vents will start releasing warm air into the cabin. It can make the entire AC system ineffective.
 

5.When should I seek professional AC servicing?

You should seek professional AC servicing if the cooling continues to weaken or the AC repeatedly shuts off without any visible reason.