Did you know Yuma is one of the hottest, sunniest cities in the U.S.? Needless to say, air conditioning is a lifesaver here! Unfortunately, many drivers don’t think about their AC until there’s a problem. There’s nothing worse than being in 100+ degree weather and discovering that your air conditioning isn’t working! For that reason, it’s best to make sure your system is performing well before the hottest days of the year, so you can stay safe and enjoy the roads in comfort.

Here are some easy steps you can take on your own to check how well your AC is working. If you discover any issues, contact Accurate Automotive Attention, and we’ll have you feeling cool in no time!

Turn on Your AC and Listen Closely

First, turn on your air conditioner and listen closely. Do you hear any unusual noises? An air conditioning system that’s functioning well should have a slight hum to it, but it shouldn’t be loud. If you hear any banging or it seems noisier than it should be, it may be malfunctioning. Make sure to cycle through all the different fan cycles, too, and note if any of them don’t seem to be working properly.

The Sniff Test

Air conditioning air has a bit of a different odor than outside air, but it shouldn’t be smelly. If your AC smells musty or foul, there could be some dust, bacteria, mold, or mildew inside the system. If you have asthma or allergies, you may also notice that turning on the AC exacerbates your symptoms. The AC can also blow in other odors that can alert you to problems under the hood, like:

• The odor of gas can signal a gas leak. This can be dangerous, so be sure to schedule an appointment right away.
• Sweet smells can indicate a leak in your cooling system
• Burning oil, which could be caused by an oil leak
• Burning plastic, which could be a sign of electrical shorts, burning wires or hoses, or even excessive dust in the vents
• Burning rubber, which could be due to an issue with the AC compressor, AC compressor clutch, or a misaligned pulley
• Vinegar-like smells could be from mold—or ozone emissions, or leaking battery acid

How Quickly Does the Temperature Drop?

If your air conditioner is working correctly, it should be able to keep the inside of your car 35-45 degrees below the outdoor air temperature. That may seem like a lot, but it can be a good way to test your AC. Check the air temperature and then bring a thermometer into your car; run it for a bit with the AC on and see how quickly the temperature drops. If it’s dropping very slowly, your system likely needs some maintenance.

Take a Drive

Some issues may not be obvious when your car is parked and idling, so you should also take your car out for a drive. Turn on the air and drive around for about 30 minutes or so, and keep an eye on the engine temperature. Several issues can cause the engine to overheat when you’re using the AC, like a malfunctioning thermostat or a coolant leak.

Air Conditioner Issues? The Coolest Cars Visit Accurate Automotive Attention!

If you’ve noticed any issues after assessing your air conditioner, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Accurate Automotive Attention! As Yuma’s only AAA Approved auto repair and service shop, you can always feel confident you’re receiving expert auto care. From adding new refrigerant to replacing faulty components, our skilled team of ASE-certified technicians can help you with whatever is needed to stay cool this summer. Get ahead of the heat—call us today at our Central Yuma or Foothills location. Or, feel free to request an appointment online.

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