My Car’s Air Conditioner Is Not Working. What’s Wrong?

My Car's Air Conditioner Is Not Working. What's Wrong?

There are many reasons your car’s air conditioner may not blow cold air. Here is a list of possible causes. Below, you will learn what you might be able to do and the basics of an auto-ac system.

  • The vehicle must be charged
  • Freon is leaking from the tank
  • It is possible that the AC compressor is not engaged
  • You might have stuck the blend doors in your vehicle.
  • Problems with wiring or the blower motor
  • The sealed system may contain debris (lines, compressors, condensers, evaporators, dryers, orifice tubes)
  • Blockage of the air inlet to the cooling condenser
  • Blockage of the vehicle’s evaporator in the dash assembly


Your commute to work or running errands will be miserable if your car’s air conditioner goes out during the summer heat. Nothing is worse than being stuck in a hot car during a jam. There are many things that can go wrong with your air conditioner if it isn’t blowing cool air. These are the most common problems and how you can fix them. You can also watch the video that we have put together. This video explains the operation of AC systems and common failure points.

 

 

Recharging is required for the AC System. Freon Leakage

 

Freon is the most common reason an air conditioner does not get cold enough. Freon leakage in the AC System could be the reason the system needs to be recharged. The AC system in an automobile is sealed and under pressure. Freon is used to fill the AC systems. Each vehicle has a specific Freon content. 

Freon is usually measured in grams or ounces. The only way to find out how much Freon is in your system is to have it removed with a special machine and then refill it to the correct amount. An older system that has been leaking freon over time may not cause any concern. It is okay to have some leakage for a few years, but not for a couple of months or days. 

Your system may be leaking for months or even days. This is an indication that there is something more serious. The components of the AC system are made from rubber and gaskets. Over time, these parts can fail and it is common for you to replace them.

 

There are many types of Freon, which cool the air. The automotive industry has gone from R12 to R134 to R1234yf. These changes are due to environmental concerns. Freon’s today are more friendly to the environment.

 

The A/C compressor may not engage

 

There are many reasons this can happen. Failing can happen when your compressor’s circuit is damaged or the clutch fails. Freon levels can also be low and vehicles can overheat. The A/C system is one of the first to be turned off when the computer detects an engine problem. A qualified mechanic will usually replace the defective part.

 

The “Blend Air Door” Is Clogged

 

The “blend-air door” is a small hatch in your car’s ventilation system. The door will change its position to draw in cold air when your environment system switches from heat to cold. If the door doesn’t move, it will continue to draw heat from your engine and blow it out! This Blend Door can have mechanical issues or the motor that is designed to operate it. The malfunction must be fixed to make the system work again. This task can be either easy or hard depending on your mechanical skills and the availability of tools. This job is best done by a qualified mechanic.

 

Cold air can be felt, but it’s not blowing

 

This could indicate that the A/C fan isn’t turning on or that there are air flow restrictions in your car’s dash. You may only need to change a wire. This is not something people can do by themselves. It may also require removing your car’s dashboard in order to access all components. Below is an example of what could happen in the worst case. We had to remove the evaporator from a pickup to replace the core. Clear evidence shows that the removed evaporator core won’t pass air through properly.

 

Other Issues

 

The A/C system can be complicated. While there are simple fixes, such as adding Freon, there may be more complex issues that require a certified mechanic to fix. Although there are rare cases where the problem is more serious, most repairs to the A/C system are simple, even if a mechanic is required.

Benefits Of All Season & Winter Tires

Benefits Of All-Season & Winter Tires

This comparison shows you the advantages of both All-Season & Winter tires

It’s crucial to understand the differences between All Season and Winter tires so that you can make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a set. 

 

Benefits of All-Season Tires

 

Better Performance

Performance is key to getting you from A to B as quickly and safely as possible. Lighter tires will allow your vehicle to fully display its capabilities on the road.

Fuel Economy 

With rising gas prices, it is always a good idea to save on fuel. It’s therefore not a good idea to use winter tires during the summer.

Tires that are not all-season can cause a dramatic increase in fuel consumption. This is why many people prefer to use all-season tires even when there isn’t snow.

Suitable For Different Road Conditions

All-season tires are equally good on both wet and dry roads. Because they are durable and can perform in all conditions, this makes them more versatile.

 

Winter Tires: Benefits

 

Great Grip On Snow & Ice

The main advantage lies in the grip you have on snow and ice. Even at a moderate speed, you won’t slip even though you are driving.

Deep Tread Depth

It matters how deep you get your tread, including patterns and sharp edges. It is possible to make sharp turns without worrying about how the tread will hold onto the road.

Won’t Harden During The Cold 

Rubber can lock up when the temperature drops. If the temperature drops below a certain point, it can harden resulting in a vehicle sliding when attempting to brake.

Winter tires are therefore useful in cold weather as the compound of the tire does not harden in cold conditions.

 

Final Thoughts on All-Season Tires vs. Winter Tires

These are the things to consider when choosing the right tire for you.

Every situation is different, but premium winter tires are better for areas with a lot of snow and ice. You can drive comfortably and safely with the extra grip.

All-season tires are a good option if you live in an area with a mild winter. It will save you more fuel and optimize your driving performance.

 

TrilliTires offers a wide range of brand-name tires

Your tires are where the road meets your rubber. Tires can become unevenly worn if they aren’t rotated on a regular basis, which could lead to premature tire replacement. At TrilliTires we recommend that you have your tires checked and rotated every time you visit our shop. Your tires will wear evenly if you move the front tires to the rear, and alternate sides of your vehicle.

Do you feel a little jiggle when driving? This could be due to your wheels not being balanced well. In this case, we recommend that you bring your vehicle in for a wheel balancing service. We can also provide advice on the condition of your tires and repair or replace any tires that are damaged; in addition, we’ll ensure that the tires are inflated to the right pressure level.

Call now to make an appointment at (905) 883-1118.

 

Tire Rotation Vs Wheel Alignment

Tire Rotation vs Wheel Alignment

Safety is an essential part of safe driving. You might feel your vehicle is moving around a lot, especially after hitting a large pothole. Our mechanics will ask you if you would like a wheel alignment or a tire rotation when you visit us for tire service. If you don’t know the car maintenance language, you may end up confused. You can make it easier and order the right tire service. Below, you will find information about the differences between wheel alignment and tire rotation.

 

What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is recommended for vehicles that seem to move from one side to the other when you drive. Tire rotation, also known as wheel or tire balancing, involves moving tires from one side to the other to ensure even wear.

Because they are the first point of contact with the road surface, your vehicle’s tires will wear over time. Due to friction levels, tires can experience uneven wear. For example, rear-wheel drive vehicles tend to have less wear on their front tires than they do on their rear tires. Inequal weight distribution can lead to uneven tire wear.

To ensure that tires are wearing evenly, it is important to rotate them every now and again.

 

What is Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment might be necessary if your vehicle is constantly drifting to one side when you drive straight. The process of aligning the front tires on your car to make sure they match the steering and tires at the rear is called wheel alignment. A large pothole in your car’s road can cause wheel alignment problems. Unaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and tire movement, as well as a decrease in vehicle performance and steering ability.

After detecting the problem, wheel alignments should be performed as soon as possible.

 

To Wrap It Up

You can reduce tire wear and improve fuel efficiency by rotating your tires. However, it is important to fix unaligned wheels immediately after discovering the problem. This can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

Absolute Car Care will perform comprehensive tire safety checks to ensure your vehicle is safe. This includes wheel alignment and wheel rotation. We will inspect your vehicle using the HawkEye Elite alignment machine.

TrilliTires can diagnose your problem if you live in Richmond Hill or the Greater Toronto Area. Our family-owned business has been in operation for more than 12 years. We are known for our friendly service. For more information, call us at 905-883-1118 or send us a message online.

 

Jump Starting A Car Battery 101

Jump Starting A Car Battery 101

Jump-starting your car for the first time was a right of passage for some. Jump-starting your first car can be daunting for those who haven’t had to deal with a dead battery before. Although it is quite simple, it is important to be careful when working with your engine.

 

You may have a dead car battery due to accidentally leaving your headlights on. Or you need to troubleshoot electrical system problems like your engine not starting. Knowing how to jumpstart a vehicle is essential for car owners. Let’s jump right in.

 

 

How to jump-start your car

 

You will first need jumper cables and a battery to boost the vehicle (either in another car or a standalone battery). Jump-starting your vehicle with a partner is advisable.

 

 

Here are some things to keep an eye on

 

Jump-starting your car safely is as simple as connecting your cables correctly from the battery to the booster car. Also, ensure that your jumper cables do not touch any metal parts or other metal parts of your vehicle.

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Jump-Starting Your Car

 

  1. The jumper vehicle should be pulled next to the dead battery. If you are using separate batteries to jump, ensure your cables can reach both. Turn off both engines by opening the hoods.
  2. Move over to the dead battery. Connect one of the red (positive), ends of your jumper cable to the positive terminal.

 

While you are not using your negative terminal you must ensure that you have uncharged ground available while setting up. This means placing the negative end of your jumper cables on a plastic (non-metal/non-conducting) part of your engine for the time being. If you’re doing this with a partner you can ask them to hold the negative end for you while you connect everything else.

 

 

  1. Connect the red (positive) end of the cables to the positive terminals of the live battery.
  2. Grab the black (or negative) end of your jumper cable and connect it to the live side. It should be connected to the negative end of the battery.
  3. Return to the terminal of your dead battery, and stop. Many people feel tempted to connect the negative end of their jumper cables to your dead battery’s negative post. This is a mistake. Connecting the negative end of your jumper cables directly to your dead battery can cause a spark that could ignite in a gaseous environment such as your vehicle’s engine.

 

 

Instead, look for a ground to connect to. In this instance, an unpainted, non-moving metal surface underneath your car’s hood. You may find a ground spot for jumping your car on some newer cars. Check your owner’s manual to confirm. This could be a bolt on an engine block or on the strut tower. Avoid using ground near fuel sources, such as grounds near your fuel pressure regulator.

 

  1. Before you jump the battery, make sure to check your cables. To avoid your cables getting caught in moving parts of the engine, ensure that they are not touching cooling fans or serpentine belts.
  2. Start the engine with a good battery. Let it run for at most two minutes. After the engine has been running for some time, turn off the ignition and start your dead vehicle.

 

 

If your dead battery doesn’t start at this point, wait 2-3 minutes before giving it another chance. If your engine does not start immediately or you have trouble starting it, you might be experiencing a solenoid or an electrical problem. In this event, you should contact your mechanic.

 

  1. After your dead battery is fully charged, you can disconnect the jumper cables in reverse. The negative ground should be disconnected first. You should make sure that the ends don’t touch.

 

 

You can work with a partner to remove the positive cable from an old battery port. They will then hold the cable while you unplug the battery.

 

If you’re working alone, I suggest that you remove the negative jumper from your dead battery. This will ensure that you have only the positive to negative connection left, which can prevent any sparks or frightening moments. Now you can safely remove the positive cables from your battery posts and replace them with the caps.

 

Nevertheless, it is far from done. After your engine starts, ensure you don’t turn it off for more than 15 minutes. You should have enough time to charge your battery. If you continue to experience the same problem when you try to start your car the next time, it could be a sign of a more significant issue such as a failing alternator, or battery.

 

 

TrilliTires technicians are highly skilled in diagnosing and fixing problems with electrical engines. Call us or book an appointment online. We are open Monday through Saturday.