The "Black Death" of Auto A/C: It's More Than Just a Leak
We’ve all been there – it’s been a long day at work, and you just walked what seems like miles in 100°F+ heat to find your car baking in the sun at back of the parking lot. You hop in, start the engine, and the very first thing you do is crank the A/C.
For many of us here in Arizona, our vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for surviving the summer. So, when you’re A/C suddenly stops blowing cold air when you need it the most, it can feel like more than just an inconvenience and quickly become a safety concern.
When you’re A/C isn’t cold anymore, the easy fix is to just grab a can of Freon or do a quick recharge at the cheapest auto shop in town. However, recharging your system is often just a Band-Aid on a much larger issue, especially in the extreme heat we face here in the Valley.
What Is the "Black Death" in Auto A/C?
When you’re consistently running you’re A/C, the compressor is working overtime – operating for long periods under high temperatures just to keep you cool. This coupled with prolonged exposure to extreme outside temperatures can put some serious wear-and-tear on the internal components, ultimately leading to degradation and compressor failure over time. When the A/C compressor fails, metal particles and refrigerant oil can combine into a dark, gritty sludge that circulates through critical components such as:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
- Evaporator
- A/C Lines
Once the “Black Death” spreads, a simple A/C recharge won’t do anything, and could make things worse.
While the “Black Death” is the worst case-scenario for your A/C system and your wallet, it isn’t the only issue we see. The Arizona heat is hard on your vehicle, especially you’re A/C system, which can lead to several other common problems during the summer months.
A/C Cutting Out at Red Lights or Idle
One of the most common A/C-related complaints we hear from our Phoenix drivers is the A/C works just fine on the highway but blows warm air in traffic or at stoplights. This is typically a sign of condenser fan failure or a clogged condenser.
Your condenser fan pulls air across the condenser when at an idle. If not operating properly, or if the condenser is clogged with dust or debris, it is unable to release heat, and cold air cannot be produced. In worse case-scenarios, this reduced air flow can contribute to the engine overheating.
Refrigerant Leaks and Your Evaporator Core
If you’re air conditioning is constantly running out of cold air and you find yourself in need of a “top-off” every summer, you may have a leak somewhere in your A/C system. Finding the root of the problem can save you time, money, and trips to your local auto parts store.
In Arizona, the difference in temperatures between the outside and the cool air in the car vents cause the metal and rubber parts in your vehicle to expand and contract, which can often lead to leaks in the evaporator core. This often requires a deeper investigation, as the evaporator core can be difficult to get to.
My A/C Might be Broken, What Next?
If you’re having issues with your auto A/C system, it may be time to have it inspected by a professional. Our ASE-certified technicians are equipped to diagnose, repair, and service all types of A/C concerns from minor leaks and airflow issues to more complex system failures like the “Black Death”.
Give us a call today at 623-582-4545 to schedule you’re auto A/C appointment!
