As the summer heat sets in, there’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your vehicle’s air conditioner and realizing…it’s not blowing cold air. At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we hear this question all the time. The good news? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
Understanding the A/C System Basics
Your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system relies on refrigerant—a gas that circulates through components like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator—to create cool air. But a number of issues can disrupt this system. Let’s break down the most common culprits.
1. Refrigerant Leaks: The Most Common Problem
The A/C system must be completely sealed to function correctly. Unfortunately, small leaks in hoses, seals, or couplers can allow refrigerant to escape. Even a pinhole can cause enough loss over time to prevent the system from cooling.
Federal law requires a leak inspection before refrigerant can be added, and many states don’t allow “topping off” a leaking system. That’s why our first step at Accomplished Auto is always a thorough system inspection.
Pro tip: If you’ve had to recharge your A/C more than once in recent years, a leak is likely the root cause.
2. Contamination in the System
As A/C components age—particularly rubber hoses—they can degrade internally. Small pieces of rubber can flake off and clog up key parts of the system, including filters and valves. This restricts refrigerant flow and can eventually cause total system failure.
Our inspections check for signs of contamination, and we can recommend flushing the system or replacing components when necessary.
3. Worn A/C Compressor Clutch
The A/C compressor is the heart of the system, and it’s driven by a clutch mechanism that engages when the system is turned on. Over time, this clutch can wear out or start to slip. When it slips, the compressor doesn’t fully engage, reducing cooling performance or stopping it altogether.
In some cases, the clutch may still work intermittently—making it tricky to diagnose without professional tools. A slipping clutch is often a sign that the entire compressor is reaching the end of its life.
4. Serpentine Belt and Tensioner Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the A/C components themselves, but with the serpentine belt that drives them. A worn or slipping belt can fail to spin the A/C compressor fast enough to do its job, especially under heavy engine load or on hot days.
The belt tensioner also plays a critical role in keeping the right pressure on the belt. If it’s weak or misaligned, your belt can slip or squeal.
At Accomplished Auto, we recommend inspecting and replacing your serpentine belt and tensioner at manufacturer-recommended intervals to avoid unnecessary wear on your A/C compressor and other critical engine components.
5. System Oil and Lubrication
When refrigerant leaks, A/C system oil also leaks. This oil is necessary as it lubricates the compressor and maintains seal health. Without it, components can overheat and malfunction. Therefore, when recharging a system, the appropriate amount and type of oil is added to ensure proper operation. This is particularly important for hybrid and EV vehicles since their oils are incompatible with those used in regular gas and diesel cars. Contamination with even small amounts of incorrect oil in hybrid and EV vehicles can cause damage or failure over time. Special machines are used to flush the lines and remove any old oil residue before servicing these vehicles.
6. We Service All Common Refrigerant Types
Whether your vehicle uses R-134a, R-1234yf, we’ve got you covered. We here at Accomplished Auto are fully equipped to handle all common refrigerant types, including those found in newer and hybrid and EV vehicles.
This means accurate diagnosis, safe handling, and proper recharge every time—no matter what you drive.
The Bottom Line
If your car’s air conditioner isn’t keeping up, don’t ignore it. Small issues can snowball into expensive repairs. The smart move? Schedule an A/C inspection with Accomplished Auto.
We’ll check for leaks, worn parts, and other hidden problems that prevent your system from performing at its best.