Why Does My Car Overheat When the AC is On?

It seems a little counterintuitive that your car’s air conditioning system can produce heat. But, if you’ve noticed that the A/C hasn’t been as effective lately and that your car seems to be overheating, it may be because of faulty elements of your car’s air conditioning system.

You may think that having the air conditioning on cools all parts of your car, not just the cabin. In reality, using the A/C causes your engine to work harder, making it generate more heat. When there’s an issue with your car’s A/C, the engine may overheat as it attempts to support a faulty air conditioning unit. When the A/C is on, the most common causes of your car overheating are a faulty compressor, a clogged condenser, or a radiator issue. When these problems occur, it’s best to quickly bring your car to a trusted A/C repair shop to avoid your engine overheating when the A/C is on.

Since 1987, the AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning team has been repairing car A/C issues for our Miami neighbors. Our ASE-certified mechanics work efficiently to diagnose and address problems with your car’s air conditioning system. For fast, dependable fixes, call the Miami car A/C repair experts at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning today at (305) 909-6127.

Reasons Why Your Car May Overheat When the AC is On

Air conditioning is supposed to cool your car, right? Although it may make the interior of your vehicle nice and chilly, your car’s air conditioning system can cause your engine to overheat when in need of repairs. That’s because your engine powers the A/C. If the A/C is broken, it could put extra strain on the engine. So, if you notice that your car is overheating when the A/C is on, it may be because of a failing compressor, a clogged condenser, or issues with the radiator.

Failing Compressor

Your car’s compressor is the foundation of its A/C unit. The compressor works to move pressurized refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system, causing cool air to blow from the vents of your car. When compressors fail or become faulty, your engine can start to work harder to cool your vehicle. When the air conditioning is turned on, that signals to the engine that you want to lower the temperature. The extra effort from your engine may be to no avail, however, as a failing compressor is likely caused by low refrigerant levels.

If your car overheats when the air is on, it may be because the vehicle lacks refrigerant. In that case, the experienced Hialeah car A/C mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning can perform a simple A/C recharge. That means upping your refrigerant levels. An A/C recharge is a quick service that can stop your car from overheating when the A/C is on within minutes.

Clogged Condenser

Just like a faulty compressor, a clogged condenser can cause your car to overheat when the air is on. The condenser takes the refrigerant gas and turns it into a liquid, which is then used to cool your car. Because condensers sit on the underside of your vehicle, they’re prone to clogging as debris from the road can get stuck inside. When a condenser is clogged, your engine will begin to work overtime to lower temperatures in your car. This can cause it to overheat when you turn the A/C on.

When a clogged condenser is causing your car to overheat, call AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning. Our experienced mechanics can assess the issue and address it quickly so that your car runs smoothly again. The AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning team specialize in car and truck A/C repair, meaning that you won’t experience the same lag and inconvenience as you do with general auto body shops.

Broken Radiator

Your car’s radiator is crucial for regulating heat from the engine. When it fails, it can cause your car to overheat when the A/C is on. The radiator is a complicated element of your car’s A/C system, complete with hoses, fans, and its own refrigerant agents. When it fails to remove excess warmth from the engine, your car can overheat.

It can be a major problem if car radiators are left unrepaired. When yours is failing, bring your car to Miami’s AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning. Our ASE-certified mechanics can perform the complex electrical repairs necessary to prevent your car from overheating.

What Happens If My Car Overheats When the AC is On?

An overheated car can cause serious damage to the engine. If you ignore an overheated engine, problems can get worse. That’s why it’s best to quickly bring your car to a trusted mechanic when you notice that it’s overheating.

It’s best to address overheating issues as soon as possible. If not, your engine can become damaged beyond repair. Not only that, but an overheated car can also impair other important features of your vehicle. Excessive heat can cause parts to melt, which can be dangerous and expensive.

The longer you wait to address an overheating car, the costlier it can get. It’s all-around safer and less expensive to repair elements of your car’s A/C that can cause overheating right away when you recognize an issue. The experienced Miami car A/C mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning are here to help. If you notice that your car is overheating when the A/C is on, our team can work to diagnose the problem and efficiently repair your vehicle. Don’t just take it from us; visit our website to read the testimonials our customers have left over the years.

AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning for Car A/C Repair

If you notice that your car overheats when the air is on, take your vehicle to our mechanics. Call Miami’s AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning for car A/C repairs today at (305) 909-6127.