Your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems are important both for your own comfort and for the reliable functioning of your car. There are 3 systems included under this umbrella:
- A/C system – Helps to keep passengers cool and comfortable.
- Cooling system – Keeps your vehicle from overheating.
- Heating system – Provides warmer cabin air temperatures when the outside temperatures are too cold for comfort.
Let’s take a look at some of the common questions vehicle owners have about their car’s heating and cooling systems.
How are heating and cooling system problems diagnosed?
In general, heating and cooling issues can show up via two different ways:
- A driver or passenger notices something wrong. This might include the A/C making odd noises or blowing hot air. Or, maybe your heating system only works intermittently or not at all. If your cooling system fails, the results could be even more obvious … you might be left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated vehicle!
- Your mechanic notices an issue during regular maintenance. Ideally, it’s best to catch heating and cooling problems before they become big issues. That’s why it’s recommended to schedule preventative maintenance at your favorite auto repair shop. Just like with your health, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to vehicle maintenance! When worn out or damaged parts are discovered early, bigger and more expensive problems can often be prevented down the road.
What are the most common heating and cooling issues?
Just like any vehicle system, there are a variety of problems that can come up. But, these are the most common:
- Low coolant or refrigerant levels (the one used depends on the system)
- Contaminated coolant or refrigerant (debris builds up in the system)
- Leaking seals, hoses, or gaskets
- A malfunctioning thermostat
- Worn out, cracked, rusted, or corroded parts
Can I maintain these systems myself?
Maybe, but it’s not generally recommended unless you’re a mechanic, have specialized training, and have the right equipment. Why? Because using the wrong fluids and/or equipment can actually cause more harm than good, sometimes to the tune of thousands of dollars!
If you’re dying to do some DIY maintenance, it might be best to stick to completing an oil change or checking your tire pressure. Save yourself time and money by hiring a professional auto mechanic to do your heating and cooling system repairs and maintenance.
It’s time to do what it takes to keep both you and your vehicle comfortable. Simply call up your favorite auto repair shop today and schedule an appointment for heating or cooling service!
Schedule My Appointment Now!
