Staying cool during your daily commute is a must. Unfortunately, rolling the windows down doesn’t cut it during the dog days of summer. To keep comfortable, you’ll need to crank your vehicle’s AC. But if you notice your car AC making some weird noises, something’s clearly up. Here are a few of the noises you may hear, and what can be done to solve them.
Squealing
One of the most commonly reported noises is a loud squealing or screeching noise when drivers turn on their malfunctioning AC. These noises typically indicate a worn serpentine belt. This is the component responsible for turning the pulley at the AC compressor, which essentially makes it possible for cool air to reach your cabin.
You can diagnose this issue yourself by checking out the belt. If it’s cracked or torn in areas, it’s time for a new one. Your mechanic can replace the belt for you in no time.
Knocking
Other weird noises your car’s AC might make include knocking or clicking sounds while the AC is running. These sounds indicate that there’s at least one loose component under the hood, often the mounting bolts. To check if loose parts are the problem, crank the AC and pop the hood. You should be able to see which parts are shaking. Then, all you need to do is tighten them up.
After tightening the components yourself, be sure to consult a professional mechanic. Your mechanic will check under the hood to ensure there isn’t anything else wrong with your AC.
Buzzing
The answer to what to do with weird car AC noises if your air conditioning is buzzing when you turn your car on is quite simple: see a mechanic right away. The buzzing noise means there’s too much refrigerant in your system, and it could be entering the compressor intake port. This excess refrigerant could cause permanent compressor damage.
Removing refrigerant isn’t a DIY job, so be sure to bring your car to a professional as soon as you can. Even though it’s hot out, don’t run your AC until you can see a mechanic.
Hissing
You may not hear a strange noise until you turn your car off. A hissing noise after you’ve parked and turned off the ignition is a sign that your vehicle is equalizing pressure. Your AC has a high- and low-pressure side, and the refrigerant moves between the two sides when the AC is on.
This hissing sound isn’t necessarily a sign that your AC is about to kick the bucket. However, it’s not a bad idea to bring your vehicle to a mechanic to have them conduct a quick inspection.
Bring your vehicle to Madison Muffler & Auto Repair
If your AC is making weird sounds or you notice poor AC performance, come to Madison Muffler & Auto Repair. Our mechanics have years of experience, so they know just what to do with weird car AC noises. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our auto repair services.