How Can I Find a Leak in My Car’s AC?

When your car’s A/C stops working, it might be because of a leak in the system. Leaks can happen for various reasons but identifying them can be difficult depending on the state of your refrigerant. If that’s true, how can you find a leak in your car’s A/C to protect yourself and your passengers?

Car A/C systems can leak refrigerants in two forms: liquid and gas. Liquid leaks are visible, so they’re easy to spot on the inside or outside of your vehicle. Finding gaseous leaks is more complicated because they can come from the tiniest holes in your car’s air conditioning system. The refrigerant gas is odorless and colorless, which makes finding the source that much harder. If your A/C isn’t working properly, it could be because of a refrigerant leak. In that case, it’s important to allow professionals to handle repairs.

For over 30 years, AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning has helped our Miami neighbors fix their car A/C leaks. Our ASE-certified mechanics are efficient and responsive to our clients’ needs. To schedule an appointment with the Miami car A/C repair mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning, visit our website or call our team today at (305) 909-6127.

How Can You Find a Leak in Your Car’s AC?

There’s one substance that’s the primary culprit for car A/C leaks. That’s refrigerant. Refrigerant is a chemical that repeatedly alters from a liquid to a gaseous state to regulate the temperature of your car. Although it’s easy to spot liquid leaks in your car’s A/C, noticing gas leaks can be tricky. Just because there’s a trail of liquid underneath your car isn’t necessarily cause for concern. It might be leaking water, which isn’t a sign of a faulty A/C.

Water Leaks

If your A/C is underperforming, check for visible leaks outside of your car. Leaks can occur underneath your car and can leave a trail. Leaks from the exterior of your vehicle aren’t always an indication that your air conditioner is broken. A “leaky” A/C can be a sign that it’s actually functioning normally. Your car’s A/C is supposed to leak water. So, if you find a puddle of water underneath your car after the air conditioner has been on, there’s no need to worry. However, if the liquid has a certain sheen to it, it could be another substance altogether. If you notice exterior leaks coupled with a faulty A/C, it could be that your car’s air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

Refrigerant Leaks

Interior leaks can happen too. This is a bit more dangerous, not only to your car’s A/C but also to your health. A faulty evaporator core can cause liquid refrigerant to leak out into the cabin of your vehicle. These leaks are easily noticeable, as you’ll see liquid pooling inside your car. While refrigerant is more dangerous when in a gaseous form, it’s still important to seek professional help from the Miami car A/C repair mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning when your chemicals are leaking into the cabin of your vehicle. If you see liquid inside your car, don’t touch it. Instead, take your car to a mechanic you trust.

So, liquid leaks are visible. But what about gaseous leaks? If refrigerant leaks in its gaseous form, that can be dangerous. These leaks are much more difficult to recognize, as the gas itself is invisible. If your car’s A/C is blowing warm air and failing to cool your car, it could be because of a gaseous refrigerant leak. Even the smallest break in the system can cause gaseous refrigerant to leak. You probably won’t identify the problem area yourself, so it’s best to leave the diagnoses to the pros.

Why Should I Find a Leak in My Car’s AC?

As we’ve covered, there’s one major substance that can leak from your car’s A/C, and that’s refrigerant. However, refrigerant can leak in two forms because it repeatedly alternates between a gaseous and liquid state. Liquid and gas leaks are different. So, how they’re dealt with is different too.

Liquid Leaks

Whether they’re inside or outside your car, liquid refrigerant leaks are easily noticeable. The puddle left behind will normally give them away. Luckily, these leaks aren’t as dangerous as gas leaks because they’re usually spotted sooner. While it’s important to address liquid A/C leaks as soon as possible, the danger of interacting with the refrigerant is low.

For your safety, don’t touch liquid refrigerant. You don’t want to come in contact with this pressurized substance. Outside of your car’s A/C, refrigerant can be dangerous to humans. Because liquid A/C refrigerant leaks are found quickly, you can avoid health concerns by taking your vehicle to the Miami car A/C leak mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning. Remember, don’t touch the liquid refrigerant – let experienced mechanics handle the leak with the proper gear and protection.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks from your car’s A/C are cause for concern. In its gaseous state, refrigerant can be very dangerous. That’s because passengers can inhale the refrigerant at greater amounts when it’s a gas. However, recognizing these leaks can be difficult. The refrigerant gas is colorless and odorless. It’s hard to notice. In a poorly ventilated area, breathing in this substance can cause refrigerant poisoning. If your A/C isn’t working properly, it could be because of this kind of leak.

If you’re concerned about a possible A/C gas leak, take your vehicle to the Miami car A/C leak mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning right away. There are new, innovative ways to identify the source of the leak, even though it’s almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Today, mechanics put colored dyes into air conditioning systems. This method allows professionals to pinpoint the source of an A/C gas leak safely.

Regardless of the cause of your leak, you’ll need to refill your car’s refrigerant supply. The Miami car A/C leak mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning can perform an A/C recharge after addressing your car’s A/C leak. When refrigerant seeps out, whether in a liquid or gaseous state, your car loses its supply. Without it, your A/C won’t work properly. An A/C recharge is a simple service that takes mere minutes. It refills your refrigerant levels to get your car’s A/C working properly again.

Call Our Mechanics When Your Car AC Leaks

Car A/C leaks should be dealt with swiftly. Leave it to our experienced team to address any leaks or concerns you might have. To schedule a visit, call the Miami car A/C leak mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning at (305) 909-6127, or go to our website today.