Learn Everything About Automotive A/C Repair - Houston, Tx
Your car’s A/C needs to be in tip-top shape to keep you fresh in the Houston, Texas heat.
To ensure you’ve got the knowledge to find the best automotive A/C repair near you, we’ve put together a guide on the most critical aspects of car A/C repair.
In this article, we will walk you through checking if your car’s A/C system needs maintenance, the main components of the system, the repair process, how long it might take, and the average cost of repairs.
Don’t just rely on typing “Car A/C repair near me” into the search bar.
Be informed so that you can make the best choice for you, your wallet, and your car.
If you still aren’t sure if your vehicle’s air conditioning system needs maintenance after ready, we have a promotion through the end of the month for an A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon)
Does Your A/C Need Repair?
Sometimes it’s clear that your car’s air condition system needs repair. If it is blowing air that isn’t much hotter or colder than the outside air or it isn’t blowing air at all, then you know it needs care. However, there are several other signs that your A/C needs maintenance:
The incoming air smells damp, musty, or like mildew
Your windows take longer than usual to defrost, or they do not defrost at all
The fan stops working when your car is idling, or the temperature of the air changes when the vehicle stops moving
The fan barely blows air even at the highest setting
It blows cold air when the heat is on or hot air when the cooling is on
If you experience any of these, or otherwise think your air conditioning system is not operating at peak performance, you can bring your vehicle into Uptown Automotive for an A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon)
Main A/C Components
There are five main mechanisms in your car’s air conditioning system:
1. Refrigerant (absorbs and moves the heat)
2. The compressor (compresses the coolant and pushes it through the system)
3. The condenser (moves heat to the outside)
4. The expansion valve (regulates refrigerant flow)
5. The drier/evaporator (blows air across refrigerant to cool it)
These major components are interconnected by many other parts such as O-rings and seals, hoses, belts, control switches, and relays, as well as blower motors and resistors.
There are many shops in the Houston, Texas area. However, not everyone has the proper training or tools to complete auto A/C repairs.
So, you want to make sure you choose the right shop. Uptown Automotive’s highly trained and experienced technicians have the skills and tools to diagnose and repair your car’s air conditioning system.
The A/C Repair Process
The first step in getting your vehicle’s air conditioning in full working order is bringing it into a shop for an inspection.
The first feature to check is the refrigerant in the air conditioning system. This fluid needs to be flushed and replaced regularly, and it is essential car maintenance and will cost around $100 to $250 at most shops.
If an inspection reveals no further issues, that could be all the maintenance required; however, if technicians find other problems, then repairs may be needed.
Car A/C Repair Costs & Time
Many air conditioning issues result from clogs and leaks in the hoses or dry and cracked belts. Both of these problems often result in decreased system performance.
If they are left un-repaired, they can cause damage to more costly components such as the compressor and condenser.
Leaking refrigerant is also harmful to the environment. To prevent lengthier, more expensive repairs, you should have your system checked at the first sign of trouble.
A problem resulting from a cracked drive belt takes about 20 minutes to 1 hour for a trained technician to fix.
With parts and labor, this will usually cost between $120 to $220 at most auto A/C repair shops in Houston.
Prices can differ depending on the make and model, as well as the shop’s labor rate.
The cost to replace leaky or clogged hoses can vary.
Replacing hoses also requires flushing and recharging the refrigerant. Depending on the magnitude of the problem, this type of repair usually starts at $500. The cost is due to the price of the parts. The hoses transport fluid under pressure and must be of high quality.
Car A/C Compressor Repair Costs & Time
Like the hoses in air conditioning systems, this can be one of the more costly repairs due to parts. Depending on the make and model of the car, the repair can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete. The average price can range from $500 to $1200 depending on the make and model of the car.
A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon)
We strive to provide the best value we can to our customers, which is why we provide quality work at a fair price.
If you think your A/C system needs maintenance, you can bring it into our shop for an A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon)
Our technicians will give you a free of charge estimate and walk you through the repair process if needed.
When you take your vehicle in to get fixed, you want to be sure that a trained professional has completed the job efficiently and with parts that will last.
That is why a two year/24,000-mile warranty backs all of our air conditioning repair services, twice as long as most of our competitors!
At Uptown Automotive, your safety and comfort are our concern.
Our trained and experienced technicians have the expertise needed to diagnose and repair your car’s air conditioning system.
We are one of Houston, Texas’ premier auto and body shops. Bring your vehicle in for an A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon)
Don’t sweat the car stuff; let us help keep your car as cool as it can be!
To request an A/C diagnostic for only $49.99 (does not include Freon) with one of our trained technicians click the “Request a Quote Today” button below and fill out the form, and a trained technician will contact you shortly to further discuss details about your vehicle.