Summer temperatures are here. Nothing is worse than opening your car door to be hit by a 140 degree heat wave that has been building up in your car all afternoon. Now you have to sit in this solar sauna of a car and patiently wait for your car’s air conditioner to tackle the heat. I sure hope you don’t have vinyl seats. Ouch! That burns, literally. Now, can you imagine if you flip the AC control dial and nothing happens? For some of us, it’s a reality and we suffer through the summer months and tolerantly wait for Fall.

Your automobile’s air conditioning is a sealed system containing Freon. Freon is the trademarked name of the chemical produced by DuPont Company for cooling and refrigeration. Automobiles use either R12 Freon or R134a Freon which is different from your home’s AC or refrigerator. They do not mix so don’t try it! The most probable cause of a vehicle’s AC not blowing cold is a loss of Freon. You have very few options if your car’s AC is not cooling properly.

Option 1: Do it yourself. Auto part stores carry a variety of R134a recharge kits. This is not something to be attempted by the average weekend mechanic despite how simple you think it might be. You must first be able to identify if your vehicle is on the R12 or R134a Freon. Remember, they do not mix. You must also know how to read the pressures produced by your system. An overcharge or under charge can create more problems and cost. Even worse, your car still will not blow cold air.

Option 2: Let it be handled by a professional. A professional shop will identify the type of Freon, evaluate the pressures, measure your existing Freon, recharge the system with the correct volume of Freon, reevaluate the pressures, use an industry specific device to locate leaks and possibly install an ultra violate dye into the AC system to help identify leaks in the future.

Most weekend mechanics do not have the equipment to measure, evaluate and detect problems with auto AC. If you’re tired of riding in the searing heat, then you really need to consult a professional. It will cost money but will save you many headaches and dollars in the long run. Keeping you cool should always be left to the professionals and that’s something, You Auto Know.