- How Much To Fix The AC In Your Car?
- How Much To Fix AC Compressor In Cars?
- Can You Repair The AC System Yourself?
- Car AC Maintenance Tips To Prevent Unnecessary Repairs
- Bottom Line
The average cost of having your car’s AC system fixed is around $488. However, you can expect the price to go higher depending on the extent of the damage and if certain parts need replacing.
Despite being found in 99% of all modern cars, air conditioners are one of the most overlooked and poorly maintained components. Sooner or later, your car’s AC will be in dire need of proper maintenance and repairs.
In this article, we’ll determine how much it costs to fix the AC in your car. We’ll also provide the cost of other related services and share some maintenance tips to help you avoid unnecessary issues with your car’s AC.
How Much (Cost) to Fix the AC in Your Car
Aside from the extent of the damage, the cost of performing AC repairs will depend on the make and model of your car. The cost of minor car AC repairs typically ranges from $171 to $727.
Luxury vehicles from brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW tend to be far more expensive with most repair costs, starting at no lower than $350. This costly price tag is due in many ways to specific skills and tools needed to work on those types of specialized cars.
Here are other car AC-related services and their respective costs:
- AC Evaluation: Specialized technicians inspect your car’s AC system, including belts, connections, hoses, and more. The average price range is $100 to $300.
- AC Top-Off: Technicians inspect your AC system’s refrigerant levels and have it recharged if necessary. The average price is around $115 to $260.
- Leak Repair: If AC-related leaks were found, technicians may have them repaired or replaced. Depending on the damage, you can expect to pay around $150 to $800.
- Hose Repair: Your AC system’s hose can wear out. Getting them repaired should cost you at least $350. The cost can reach as high as $500 if replacements are required.
- Upgrading Old AC Systems: Cars built before 1995 need their AC systems upgraded to meet current environmental requirements. This can cost you an average of $100 to $800.
- Installing AC Systems: It’s possible to install a brand new AC system on old cars or vehicles that currently have no AC. You’ll need to purchase air conditioning kits and have experienced technicians install them safely. This can cost you around $1,500 to $4,000
If your vehicle’s AC system requires extensive repairs, you can expect to pay somewhere around $1,000 to $4,000. You may even end up paying more if your vehicle requires specialized tools and manufacturer-certified technicians.
One of the primary reasons extensive repairs are expensive is because it often involves completely replacing one or more components to fully resolve the issue. This includes parts like the condenser, belts, pressure switches, valves, and compressor.
One reason AC compressor repairs are expensive is that they almost always require a replacement.
How Much to Fix an AC Compressor in Cars?
Compressor repairs are generally expensive, with minor repairs going from $170 to $730 and major repairs costing around $1,000 to $4,000. One reason AC compressor repairs are expensive is that they almost always require a replacement.
When replacing an AC compressor, you’ll need to keep in mind both labor and replacement costs. A new AC compressor usually costs around $200 to $600. It’s possible to go even higher depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Meanwhile, working with a technician to have the new AC compressor can cost somewhere around $300 to $500, depending on local laws or the state you’re currently in. Similar to purchasing AC compressors, you may pay a little more if your car requires a manufacturer-certified technician.
Figuring out how to fix an air conditioner with little to no experience can be incredibly taxing.
Can You Repair the AC System Yourself?
To some extent, you can do some AC-related repairs yourself. If you have the knowledge and experience, it should be possible for you to repair or even replace some parts of your car’s air conditioning units.
While the thought of saving money by fixing the issues yourself can be tempting, the actual practice can be challenging and risky. This is likely one of the reasons some labor costs are high, to begin with.
Figuring out how to fix an air conditioner with little to no experience is taxing. When it comes to car AC systems, there’s no universal layout you can follow.
You’ll need to determine where your car’s AC is located, how it should be handled, and what specific tools you’ll need. For example, AC compressors can be extremely difficult to reach, especially if you have luxury models from brands like Audi. In most cases, you’ll have to remove other car components just to get to them.
Another important thing to consider when trying to fix AC systems yourself is handling coolant. Most AC-related repairs may require you to flush the coolant out of the system. These are dangerous and toxic substances. States like Florida have specific laws and guidelines that people need to strictly follow when dealing with substances like coolants.
Car AC Maintenance Tips to Prevent Unnecessary Repairs
Having your car’s AC system fixed at the first sign of problems is essential. Proper maintenance is just as important. Not only does proper maintenance help your car’s AC run smoothly, but it also helps prevent you from paying for repairs caused by avoidable issues.
The following are some of the common AC system best practices that can help you avoid unnecessary and costly repairs in the future.
Regular Servicing
Having your car’s AC system cleaned can help improve its efficiency and makes sure the air blowing into the cabin is safe. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, it’s generally recommended to have your AC professionally cleaned every two years, or once a year if you drive more than the average car owner.
Change Cabin Filters
Cabin filters also need to be changed each year to make sure you have filters that can do their job of keeping away dust and debris. If you can, take out and clean the cabin filters yourself every six months. This should help prevent any dust buildup that might contaminate your car’s evaporator.
Use the AC Regularly
It’s a common misconception that using your car’s AC all the time will eventually damage it. On the contrary, regularly using your car’s AC can make it run better.
Whether you’re using your car regularly or not, make sure to run its air conditioner at least once a week for about 10 minutes. Doing so will help maintain the gas pressure levels and enables the compressor to work more efficiently.
You should also use the air conditioner even during the winter months. Aside from cooling the car, your AC clears humidity from the cabin. It will help you remove fogging on your windshield and help maintain good visibility while driving.
Run Defrost Mode
Mold and mildew may grow in your AC system’s ducts. If left unchecked, they can grow to a point where they start producing bad odor inside the cabin and even trigger health issues like asthma.
Running defrost mode at least once a week will help prevent this. Simply turn on your car’s air conditioner, put it to the coolest setting, and set the fan speed to its highest setting. Do this for at least 10 minutes.
After that, run defrost mode for around five minutes. It clears out moisture from the AC system and prevent any mold from growing.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Your car’s refrigerant cools the air that’s blown inside the cabin. These gases don’t last forever and will require to be recharged. Most cars need their refrigerant replenished every two years – or up to five years for some.
What’s important is to have your refrigerant levels checked at least once a year or every time your vehicle is being serviced. This will help you monitor the current refrigerant level and make sure your car always has enough. Otherwise, your AC system won’t function properly and the problem might cause issues with other car components.
Keep Your Windows Shut
Another common misconception is that opening the car windows while driving with the air conditioner during hot days can help cool the interior quickly. This simply isn’t true. What it does is force your car’s AC to work harder.
When that happens, your car will use fuel and coolant more quickly. This can cost you more in the long run. It’s best to keep your windows shut even during hot days. If your AC is working properly and has no issues, it should be able to condition the interior air to a comfortable temperature in due time.
Bottom Line
Ensuring that your car’s AC system is properly maintained is the best way to prevent AC problems in your vehicle. Addressing these problems as soon as possible is the second-best solution to avoid further issues from developing.
By being familiar with how much it costs to fix the AC in your car, you can allocate a budget for it for when you need it. All you have to do now is find the best auto service center that can help you get your AC system up and running again.
Auto Works of Brandon is a trusted auto care shop that offers reliable air conditioning repair and maintenance services. If your car’s AC is not working as it should, contact us today to set an appointment. Our team will help you get your car AC troubles fixed.
