Your car’s air conditioning system is an essential component that keeps you comfortable during hot weather. However, leaks can occur in the system, causing it to malfunction or stop working altogether. In this article, we will discuss the signs of leaks in your car’s AC system, how to find the leak and the cost of repair.
Symptoms of Leaks in Car Air Conditioning
The following are signs that your car’s air conditioning system may have a leak:
- Oil stains or moisture around the AC lines
- Reduced AC performance
- A hissing or bubbling noise coming from the AC system
- Warm air blowing from the AC vents
- Strange smell coming from the air vents
How to Find Leak in AC System in Car
If you suspect that your car’s AC system has a leak, there are several ways to find it:
- Visual inspection: Check the AC system components such as the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant lines for leaks. Slow leaks are easy to trace because they leave oily residues on the leaking area.
- AC leak detector test: Perform a UV dye AC leak detector test on the air conditioning system. Freons are usually mixed with UV dye that will illuminate if they spot a black light.
- Soapy water: Spray soapy water on the suspected areas. You will see bubbles if the soapy water gets to ruptured, damaged, or leaking areas.
- AC pressure test: Use an AC pressure tester to gauge the pressure levels on the low and high refrigerant lines. If the reading falls outside the specified pressure range, it could be an indication of a small leak.
- Sniffer device: Use a sniffer device to detect air conditioner refrigerant leaks anywhere around the system.
- Electronic leak detector: Scan the air conditioning system using an electronic leak detector to detect the presence of halogen gasses.
- Professional help: If you have tried the above methods and still cannot find the leak, contact an expert HVAC technician to take a closer look at your car’s AC system.
Why Are Car AC Leaks Hard To Find?
Car air conditioner refrigerant is a colorless fluid that cycles through liquid and gaseous states within the system. It rarely leaves any visible streaks and trails because of its unique properties, which is why they are hard to find without a trained eye.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Car AC Leak?
The cost of fixing a car AC leak depends on the affected part, the ease of accessing it, and the cost of replacing it. On average, car AC leak repair costs between 150 and 500 dollars.
Final Words
If you suspect that your car’s AC system has a leak, it is essential to find and fix it as soon as possible. A leaking AC system not only affects the performance of your car’s air conditioning but can also cause damage to other components of the system. Using the methods discussed in this article, you can detect and fix the leak yourself or seek the help of a professional. Remember, regular maintenance and inspection of your car’s AC system can prevent leaks and other issues from occurring in the first place.
