The Top 5 Signs That Your Car AC Needs to be Recharged

In the UAE we rely on our air conditioning, especially during the summer. Temperatures inside a car can quickly climb well above 100°F. Not only is this unhealthy for you and your passengers, but over a period of time it could cause cosmetic damage to your upholstery and dash too.  . Air conditioning is often one of those things we forget about when it comes to car servicing and maintenance, but ensuring that your AC is working efficiently should be one of those regular checks we do.

At Al-Futtaim Lexus, our expert technicians can quickly diagnose and repair any issues with your AC. But to help you stop potential problems in their tracks, here are our five top signs to look out for to tell you your car AC needs recharging.

How does AC work?

Air conditioning in a car uses a cooling system that relies on refrigerant gas to drop the temperature of the air flowing through it. The AC system reduces the temperature of the air flowing through it, ensuring the air that comes out of your vents is cool. Over time, the refrigerant in the system gas dissipates through natural loss. To bring the coolant levels back up to operational specifications, you need to regularly top up your refrigerant in the air conditioning unit. Although it is highly unlikely that your refrigerant will ever completely run out, it does need to be kept at a certain level to operate efficiently.

Recharging an air conditioning unit may sound like something you can do yourself, but it does require specialist equipment to do it correctly. At Al-Futtaim Lexus, our technicians are experienced in recharging AC units and can do this quickly and following the specific guidelines from Lexus. Our advice is always to leave it to the professionals to recharge your AC.

Signs things are not working correctly

It blows warm air

The first obvious sign that your AC unit may need to be recharged is that it blows warm air instead of cool air. This indicates that the cooling system isn’t working correctly, with the most likely cause being a loss of the refrigerant  within the AC unit.

The vehicle stays uncomfortably warm

If you set your climate control to the lowest level but it has minimal effect on the internal temperature of the cabin, this is a clear sign that your AC system needs attention. This could be because the system needs recharging, or it could be something as simple as a clogged cabin filter, which can be quickly and easily replaced. A system check will determine the cause of the issue.

A malfunctioning AC condenser

The condenser is a vital part of the system that compresses the refrigerant gas into high-pressure vapour which in turn is converted into a pressurised liquid. If the condenser is malfunctioning, the coolant isn’t compressed correctly, and will not draw away the heat from the air passing through the system. A condenser can be easily replaced by a qualified technician.

There is a visible leak

If you notice a greasy coating on any part of the AC unit, you may have a leak. This could be a simple hose connection that may have come loose or a seal that’s failed. A specialist will be able to locate the problem and repair or replace any faulty parts.

You notice a strange smell

Normally, your cabin should smell fresh and clean. However, if you have an issue with your Lexus AC unit you may notice a musty or slightly unpleasant smell. This indicates a build-up of mould or stale water building up in the system, which indicates the AC unit isn’t operating correctly.

As there could be a number of reasons for failure, you should take your Lexus to your nearest Al-Futtaim Lexus service center, where they will be able to diagnose the problem and repair or replace your AC unit.

You can find out more about our AC Refreshment Package this summer by contacting us online and booking in your Lexus for an AC health check.