As we experience the height of summer, the spotlight is on air conditioning system maintenance and reliability.

A vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system can enhance driver and passenger comfort, safety and wellbeing by improving in-cabin air quality. When working properly, the A/C system can also maintain overall vehicle value and performance by controlling humidity to prevent mould.

That said, the A/C system is comprised of a host of parts that work together to keep it in operation. That’s why making sure to choose and invest in the right components is essential to helping customers avoid common A/C system concerns and lower their Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). From the compressor, condenser, metering device and evaporator, to the cabin air filter and refrigerant, things can quickly go south, even if just one of the system’s parts is incorrectly installed or sized based on the vehicle’s make, model and powertrain.

Common A/C system concerns can be rectified if you know the symptoms to watch out for before a complete failure occurs or a specific component is permanently damaged. Here are a few examples of these problems and their associated symptoms and indications:

Concern: Cooling Performance Issues

•Symptom – Blows warm air 

Indication: could be a result of low refrigerant, leaks or compressor problems

•Symptom – Intermittent cooling

Indication: issues with the expansion valve, clutch or electrical faults

•Symptom – Weak airflow

Indication: clogged cabin air filter, failing blower motor or blocked evaporator core

Concern: Unpleasant Odors

•Symptom – Musty or moldy smell

Indication: old cabin air filter or microbial growth on the evaporator core

•Symptom – Chemical smell

Indication: refrigerant leak

•Symptom – Burning smell

Indication: electrical issue or slipping belt

Concern: Unusual Noises

•Symptom – Clicking or rattling

Indication: debris in the blower fan or loose components

•Symptom – Hissing sound

Indication: refrigerant leak

•Symptom – Grinding or squealing

Indication: failing compressor, belt or pulley

Concern: Leaks & Moisture

•Symptom – Water pooling inside the cabin

Indication: clogged A/C drain tube

•Symptom – Oily spots under the car or on A/C components

Indication: refrigerant leaks at hoses, seals, compressor, condenser or evaporator

Concern: Electrical & Control Issues

•Symptom – A/C button light blinks or doesn’t stay on

Indication: system fault or electrical issue

•Symptom – Airflow stuck on hot or cold only

Indication: blend door actuator or control head problem

•Symptom – Fan speed inconsistent

Indication: blower motor resistor or failing motor

The performance concerns outlined above can be easily mitigated through basic maintenance and preventative habits. In addition to keeping the components clean, devoid of damage or impurities and properly installed, the vehicle’s cabin air filter should also be replaced at least yearly or every 12,000 miles. Another vital maintenance routine to keep in mind is to periodically check refrigerant levels and use the right oils during servicing. Thankfully, with the advent of sophisticated A/C handling systems, these computerized service machines help do the work for you such as refrigerant recovery, vacuum and leak testing, oil measurement and injection, and database-guided operation.

Professional Servicing

In addition to making sure to invest in the right, OE-qualityA/C system parts, utilizing the latest service solutions can also help enhance A/C performance and minimize vehicle downtime. Instead of having to manually service an A/C system, there is equipment available to fully automate a comprehensive A/C service repair of recovery, leak test, vacuum, and charge with minimal oversight or physical labor required from the service professional. 

From step-by-step process instructions to integrated software features that enable automatic oil injection and UV leak detection, the latest A/C service units even allow the technician the option to view maintenance alerts on their cell phone via a downloadable app for added convenience. Each unit is backed by automatic programming updates that indicate the status and completion of a service operation, as well as technical troubleshooting and training support offered through the product manufacturer. 

Preventing comebacks

By investing in a state-of-the-art handling system, technicians can help prevent a customer from coming back to the shop due to a servicing misdiagnosis, which can impact a technician’s reputation as being a dependable and knowledge service professional. Having a trustworthy system in place not only minimizes costly repairs and customer comebacks, but also reinforces trust and efficiency in the workshop.

MAHLE offers a variety of ArcticPRO A/C handling systems including select units that enable automatic oil injection, UV leak detection, and feature an integrated refrigerant identifier to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination between different compressor oils. ArcticPRO A/C units are designed with an ergonomic hinged service door in the front of the machine to simplify equipment service and provide easy access to all internal components. The unit’s cabinet door is gas-strut-assisted and can be opened single-handedly, with no bolts or disassembly required, minimizing the time needed to maintain the unit.

By investing in a state-of-the-art handling system, technicians can help prevent a customer from coming back to the shop due to a servicing misdiagnosis, which can impact a technician’s reputation as being a dependable and knowledge service professional. 

– Marcos Dantas 

In addition to automated A/C handling systems, MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility also offers a complete range of OE-quality BEHR engine cooling and air conditioning products including radiators, thermostats, expansion tanks, compressors, condensers, and interior blowers.

By combining OE-quality BEHR components with advanced servicing technologies like the ArcticPRO A/C handling systems from MAHLE, technicians can ensure reliable, long-lasting performance for every vehicle they service. And with the right parts, the right tools, and the right maintenance practices, vehicle owners and service professionals alike can enjoy the full benefits of a properly functioning A/C system—comfort, safety and peace of mind on every drive.