In the modern world of technology, everyone is surrounded by constantly buzzing and beeping devices. These noises can get on your nerves, but they also serve an essential purpose — they let you know when something is wrong.
Like your phone or your computer, your car has a variety of sensors and components that make noise when they’re not working correctly. And while some of these sounds may be nothing to worry about, others can indicate a severe problem. Here are some of the most common odd noises you might hear from your car AC and what they could mean:
Screeching/Squealing
Although you may think that these sounds are coming from your car AC, they’re actually emanating from your engine. If you hear these noises when you first turn on your car AC, it’s likely due to a loose or damaged serpentine belt.
Causes
The serpentine belt is responsible for powering your car’s AC compressor. As the belt ages, it can become dry and cracked, which will cause it to squeal when the AC is turned on.
What damage it does to your car
If left unchecked, a damaged serpentine belt can cause your car’s AC compressor to fail. This will not only prevent your car’s AC from working, but it can also cause your engine to overheat.
What to do
If you hear squealing from your car AC, it’s essential to have your serpentine belt inspected by a qualified mechanic. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair, so it’s best to take care of it before it causes further damage to your car.
Other possible causes
- A clutch contaminated with oil — The clutch is what engages the compressor when the AC is turned on. If it becomes contaminated with oil, it can cause a squealing noise.
- A seized compressor — If your compressor seizes, it will also cause a squealing noise.
- A faulty pulley or pulley bearing — The pulleys on your compressor are what keep the belts tight. If they become damaged or worn, it can cause a squealing noise.
Slight Hissing
If you hear a slight hissing noise when you turn off your car AC, it’s likely due to a small leak in the system. It can also be due to the equalizing pressure between the high and low-pressure lines of the air conditioner.
Causes
When the refrigerant escapes from the system, it causes a hissing noise. It’s normal for your AC to lose a small amount of refrigerant over time, but if there’s a large leak, it can cause your AC to stop working altogether.
What damage it does to your car
A small leak in your car’s AC system may not cause any immediate damage, but it will eventually lead to more significant problems. As the refrigerant leaks out, it will cause the compressor to overwork, leading to failure.
What to do
If you hear a hissing noise when you turn off your car AC, it’s crucial to have the system checked for leaks by a qualified mechanic. This way, you can repair the leak before it causes further damage to your car.
Buzzing/Humming
A buzzing or humming noise from your car AC is usually due to a problem with the compressor. That’s why it’s often accompanied by a loss of power or a decrease in the AC output.
Causes
The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the AC system. If there’s too much refrigerant, it can cause the compressor to overheat and fail.
What damage it does to your car
An overcharged AC system can cause the compressor to fail, which will prevent the AC from working. When this happens, it’s usually necessary to replace the entire AC system.
What to do
If you hear a buzzing or humming noise from your car AC, it’s crucial to have the system checked by a qualified mechanic. This way, the mechanic can determine if the AC is overcharged and fix the problem before it causes further damage to your car.
Rattling
A rattling noise from your car AC is usually not a severe problem, but it can be not very pleasant to hear. That’s why it’s crucial to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic.
Causes
A rattling noise from your car AC is usually due to a loose part or faulty component. Improperly-mounted AC components can also cause it.
What damage it does to your car
If left unchecked, rattling noises can damage other components in your car’s AC system, eventually leading to total failure.
What to do
If you hear rattling from your car’s AC, it’s crucial to have the system checked by a qualified mechanic. By doing so, you can avoid further damage to your vehicle and keep your AC working properly.
Noise from your car’s AC can indicate a problem that needs to be fixed. Knowing the most common AC noises and what they mean can help you diagnose the problem and get it fixed before it causes further damage to your car. So, if you hear any of these noises from your car’s AC, be sure to set up an appointment with Auto Works of Brandon in Florida
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