Summer in Dubai is no laughing matter. When the temperature soars higher than the city’s iconic skyscrapers, the mere thought of a car AC not cooling is enough to break out in a sweat. The importance of a fully functioning car AC cannot be overstated, especially in the sweltering heat of the UAE. In this article, we will delve deep into the causes behind a poorly performing car AC and provide some practical tips to keep it running at its best.
Understanding the Importance of a Car AC in Dubai
The car air conditioning system is not merely a luxury in Dubai, it is a necessity. The relentless summer heat, often reaching above 40 degrees Celsius, makes it essential for every vehicle to have a fully functioning AC system. Besides providing relief from the scorching heat, an efficient car AC is crucial for health safety, reducing the risk of discomfort, dizziness, and even heatstroke.
When the Chill is Gone: Common Problems of Car AC not Cooling
When your car’s AC is not cooling properly, the drive becomes a survival battle against the heat. There could be several reasons behind this situation. Let’s examine some of the most common problems associated with car ACs that are not cooling effectively.
– The Weak Flow of Cold Air
If your vehicle’s AC isn’t blasting cold air with the usual force, it’s a good idea to get it checked. The culprit could be as simple as a stuck blend door, a clogged cabin filter, or a failing blower motor. A blend door determines which vent air flows through, and if it gets stuck, it obstructs the airflow. On the other hand, a clogged cabin filter or a failing blower motor can also lead to weak airflow, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the AC system.
– The AC isn’t Cooling Enough
A poorly cooling AC is often the result of a failed o-ring, hose, seal, or component causing a Freon leak. Other possible reasons include a clogged expansion tube or refrigerant charging hose, malfunctioning compressor, blower motor, condenser, evaporator, switch, relay, control module, or even a blown fuse or vacuum leaks.
– The AC Blows Warm Air
Sometimes, the AC might blow cool air at first but then it gets warm. This problem can arise due to a clogged expansion valve, a faulty compressor clutch, a blown fuse, or leaks due to damage or moisture.
Maximizing the Cool: Tips to Get the Most out of Your Car AC
While it’s essential to address the technical issues that might cause the car AC not cooling, there are also some easy tips and practices that can help maximize the cooling performance of your car AC.
– Avoid Pre-cooling
Contrary to popular belief, pre-cooling your car while it’s still parked is not an efficient way to cool it down. This is because the A/C compressor, which pumps the refrigerant, is driven by the engine belt. So, the faster your engine runs (like when you’re driving), the more refrigerant it pumps through the system, resulting in better cooling.
– Opt for Low Temperature Settings
For maximum efficiency, keep the A/C on the lowest temperature. This ensures that your car stays cool and your ride remains fuel-efficient.
– Ventilate Your Cabin
Before turning on your air conditioning, roll down the windows and run the fan to ventilate the cabin from excess heat. This allows the hot air to escape before switching on the air conditioning.
– Turn Off Start/Stop
While the start/stop feature is great for reducing engine idling time and improving fuel economy, it can hamper the effectiveness of your car’s air conditioning system. This is because when the engine shuts down, it prevents the air conditioning compressor from running effectively.
– Turn on Recirculation
Turning on the recirculation mode can help keep your car cooler. When this mode is turned on, the air conditioning system pulls air from inside the cabin to circulate, which can be cooler than the hot outside air.
– Park Smartly
Parking under a shade can keep the cabin cool and help your air conditioner maintain the desired comfortable temperature faster.
– Use Sun Shades and AC Curtains
Sun shades can block out the direct sunlight and help keep your car cool. Similarly, AC curtains can block the rear area, reducing the amount of cooling needed for the cabin.
– Clean Cabin Air Filters
Cleaning or replacing your cabin air filters regularly can help improve the airflow and cooling efficiency of your car’s AC system.
Troubleshooting Guide: Reasons Why Your Car AC is not Cooling
Several factors can contribute to your car’s AC not blowing cold air. Here are some possible culprits and how to identify them.
– Low Charge
The most common reason for a car AC failure is it running on a low charge. Insufficient cooling can be resolved by recharging the air conditioner.
– Refrigerant Leakage
With low pressure in the system, the compressor will not be able to cycle correctly, resulting in hot air. Checking for possible oily substance accumulation and sealing it can solve this issue.
– AC Condenser Blockage
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the condenser, causing it to block and overheat the refrigerant.
– AC Compressor Failure
A faulty compressor can cause your car AC system to not function at its peak. Regular checks and maintenance can prevent this.
– Cabin Filter Damage
A faulty air cabin filter can inadequately filter out the debris that gets in, damaging the motor fans and the car AC condenser.
– Motor Fans Damage
Over time, debris collection on the motor fans might result in its damage, which in turn obstructs the passage of cool air to the condenser.
– Condenser Damage
The trash and dirt from the road might not block your car AC condenser, but damage it or cause its complete breakdown.
– Condenser Fan Failure
A malfunctioning fan can cause the car AC condenser to not receive adequate cooling, resulting in hot air instead of cold.
The Cost of Car AC Repair in Dubai
The regular car AC service price can scale up to 300 AED, which will vary with the various car brands and models. The car ac repair price might increase with the compressor, wiring, hose connections, and condenser checkups. In case you are living in Dubai and you are looking for a mobile car wash service, we would like to suggest you Service My Car, get the best car wash service in Dubai.
