The Truth About AC Self Repair Kits
By Kate Bergeron, June 8, 2017
Air conditioner systems require regular maintenance and monitoring. With summer in full swing, it can be tempting to use a cheap, store-bought fix if your AC malfunctions. But one-size-fits-all solutions, like AC Pro and other self repair kits, usually do more harm than good. Here’s why:
A Band-Aid Fix
The biggest problem with these products is that they don’t address the root of the problem. The canisters are full of freon and other coolants, along with compressed air to blast the contents into your AC system. While this may temporarily allow your car to generate cool air, it won’t fix the source of the problem; it can’t repair a broken compressor clutch, for instance, or replace a bad condenser coil. If it doesn’t work, it can also void any warranty you had on the cooling system.Harmful Contents
Aside from regular AC coolants, most self repair kits also contain rubber sealant. The substance is designed to fill in any cracks or leaks in rubber A/C components, such as o-rings, gaskets, and hoses, that usually cause a system to become low on refrigerant. If there isn’t a leak, however, the sticky silicon can clog valves, tubes, or your air conditioning compressor, creating a more extensive problem. Many self repair also contain compressor oil designed for regular, belt driven AC systems. This means that they can’t be used on most hybrid and all electric vehicles, which have an electric compressor and require a different kind of oil. Injecting the wrong kind of oil into the system could damage the entire system and require a costly replacement. Getting your AC examined and recharged in the spring, before the heat gets unbearable, is the best way to ensure it will work properly all season long. And, if a problem should arise, it’s better to call your local mechanic. Conveniently located in Agawam, V&F Auto offers heating and air conditioner repair, including:- Heating & Cooling System Diagnostics
- Auto Air Conditioning Repair & Service
- Heating System Repair & Service
- Belt Repair & Replacement
- Compressor Repair & Replacement
- Evaporator Repair & Replacement
- Refrigerant Replacement