Preparing Your Car’s AC for the Summer

Posted on May 30, 2020 by mike The warmer weather has finally arrived here in New England, and it’s only going to get hotter as the summer months continue! If you haven’t checked your cars AC yet, now’s the time. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the hottest day of the year with no air conditioning in your car. There are a few warning signs that’ll tell you if your AC system is going back and may need to be serviced. Check out some of the common signs here.

Excess Water or Water Stains on the Floor

After running your air conditioning system for a while in the car, you may notice that water has dripped out from underneath your vehicle. This is the system’s way of disposing of moisture during the cooling process, which is normal. However, when the drain line gets clogged, the water will begin to back up and pool under the dash. If you start to see that the floors are wet or getting water stains, this may be your first indication that something is amiss with your AC system.

Musty Smells

Ideally, an AC system that is in good condition, should pump fresh air into your car. If you notice a musty of mildew-like smell as soon as you turn your air conditioning on, it’s not a coincidence. It’s likely that mold is growing in the system, which won’t affect the coolness of the air, but the mold spores will certainly reduce the quality of air you’re breathing in. Breathing in mold regularly can have harmful effects on your health, so this is not something to leave un-addressed. A technician at your local auto shop will be able to clean the system and effectively kill the mold.

Unusual Noise

The telltale sign of any car problem is typically strange noises, and the same goes for AC issues. If you hear a loud squealing or grinding sound when you start up your AC, there is likely a problem with the compressor. You may also hear a banging or rattling noise, which would typically indicate an issue with the condenser or fan belt. In other cases, the fan could just be clogged with debris and need cleaning. Either way, any of these strange noises shouldn’t be ignored.

Schedule a Service at German Autosport

If you notice any of these issues with the AC system in your vehicle, don’t wait until the middle of the hot summer to fix it! Our skilled technicians at German Autosport have the tools and experience necessary to have your AC system running smoothly again in no time. We specialize in auto repairs and maintenance services for German car manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Porsche, and beyond. Call us today at 978-388-1288 to schedule your service at German Autosport in Amesbury!