A car A/C that blows warm air, has weak airflow or cools unevenly can have several different causes. C & C Auto checks the system to find which one it is, so the right part gets fixed.
This page is about the A/C that cools the cabin. If the engine temperature gauge is climbing or coolant is going missing, that is the engine cooling system. Engine Cooling System Service
Common reasons to call
- Warm or only slightly cool air from the vents
- Weak airflow even with the fan on high
- Cooling that comes and goes, or works only while driving
- Strange noises or a burning smell when the A/C is switched on
- A musty odor from the vents
- Moisture or fluid inside the cabin
What we do
- Measuring A/C system pressures and comparing them to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Leak testing the A/C system
- Checking the temperature of the air at the vents
- Checking the A/C compressor belt for condition and tension
- A/C repair based on what the check finds
Which individual A/C repairs are done at the shop, such as compressor or condenser replacement, is not listed on this site. Ask when you call.
Checking the A/C versus repairing it
An A/C check measures system pressures against the manufacturer’s specifications, tests for leaks, checks the temperature of the air at the vents and looks at the compressor belt. The results show where the system is falling short.
Repair is based on what that check finds. Which individual A/C repairs the shop does is not listed on this site, so ask about yours when you call.
What to tell us when you call
You do not need to know what is wrong. Whatever you can share from this list helps us understand what to look at.
- Year, make and model of the vehicle
- What the air does: warm, weak, uneven, or cool only some of the time
- When it happens: all the time, only at idle, only while driving, or only on the hottest days
- Whether it got worse slowly or stopped suddenly
- Any noise or burning smell when the A/C is switched on
- A musty smell from the vents, or moisture inside the cabin
How a visit works
- Call (325) 646-6206 and describe what is happening. There is no online booking or form.
- We will set a time for the car to come in during business hours.
- The check looks at pressures, leaks, vent temperature and the compressor belt, which narrows down the cause.
- Prices and completion times are not listed online. Ask about both when you call, before you decide on any work.
Parts of the A/C system
A car air conditioning system is a sealed loop of parts that work together. A problem with any one of them can keep the whole system from cooling.
- Compressor: circulates refrigerant through the system and is driven by an engine belt.
- Condenser: sits in front of the radiator and releases heat from the refrigerant.
- Receiver-drier or accumulator: removes moisture from the refrigerant.
- Evaporator: cools the air that is blown into the cabin.
- Hoses, lines and seals: carry refrigerant between parts and must not leak.
What to watch for
Cooling that fades over several weeks points to a different story than cooling that stops overnight, so tell us which one you are seeing.
The compressor is turned by an engine belt, which is why the belt is looked at as part of the check.
Auto A/C Service questions
Why is my car’s A/C blowing warm air?
Low refrigerant from a leak is common, but it is not the only cause. A compressor that is not engaging, a blocked condenser, a failed blower or an electrical fault can produce the same symptom. Checking system pressures and testing for leaks narrows it down.
Can I just add refrigerant?
A car’s A/C is a sealed system, so refrigerant is not used up. If it is low, it has usually leaked out somewhere. Adding more without finding the leak may cool the car for a while, but the problem tends to come back.
Is it normal to see water dripping under my car on a hot day?
Usually, yes. The A/C pulls moisture out of the cabin air and drains it under the car, so a puddle of clear water is normal. Water inside the cabin, or an oily residue near the A/C lines, is worth having looked at.
What causes a musty smell from the vents?
Moisture can collect around the evaporator and the air box behind the dash, and the smell comes from what grows there. It is usually more noticeable when the A/C first starts. Mention the smell when you call so it is part of what gets checked.