What should you do if your Car Starts Overheating?

With rising mercury, the engines of cars start getting toasty too. Vehicle type and its manufacturing year doesn’t matter, it is common in summers for vehicles to get overheated. No doubt that modern automobile are refined and well-tuned to overheat, but combustion cycle under the hood can still make your engine overheated. Here are the steps you need to know if your car gauge reads anywhere above the normal:

• Turn off your A/C: Turn off the A/C of your car and start heater of your car. It would let the things calm down: But do not forget to open your windows, as the hot blowing air can make you uncomfortable inside the car. If this does not make the situation under control; pull over, when it is safe and switch off the car’s engine

• Look out for Steam: If you notice steam coming out pull over and turn off your engine immediately. If you feel comfortable, pop the hood of the car. But do not pop, until engine has cooled down. Call for roadside assistance if you do not have idea from where this smoke or steam is coming out.

• Check the Coolant Levels: Check for the level of coolant in the reservoir. If the level is normal, there are chances of having malfunctioning temperature gauge. But, if coolant level is low or if the reservoir is empty; there are chances of leakage somewhere. So immediately call for roadside assistance.

• If you need to Drive: But if you need to move on, after pulling over your car; open the radiator and the reservoir, after covering your hands.

• Regularly check your hoses in order to prevent them for getting corroded or leaked
• Change your oil regularly.
• Go for regular visual inspection of your car’s water systems, hoses and belts.

Overheating can slow down or stop you like a red flag on your journey. To make it sure that there are only green flags on your trips, Contact Import Auto Service for regular maintenance and inspection of your vehicle

New Alternative Refrigerant for Automobiles

As far as environment issues are concerned automobiles’ air conditioning systems have always been under a close scrutiny. As most of the population wants to be eco-friendly, they do not want their environment to pay for keeping their cars and people in them cooler. As late model cars used R-134a refrigerant but now, new vehicles will be equipped with R-1234yf refrigerant.

Most of the European countries have decided to completely phase out R-134a by 2017. According to new European rules any new refrigerant must have a global warming potential less than 150. Qualifying this dimension, with global warming potential of only 4; R-1234yf has rapidly gained industry acceptance as potential air conditioning refrigerant. It costs only a little more than what has already been used in vehicles; but its quality of being eco-friendlier, will make its worth in the run long.

The refrigerant is developed jointly by Honeywell and DuPont having low global warming potential of only 4 as compared to the 1200 for R-134a. With zero ozone depletion potential, R-1234yf provides excellent cooling performance is all type climates.

While all the new vehicles will be manufactured with 1234yf, even the older ones can switch to R-1234yf. R-1234yf has similar thermal characteristics as that of R-134a; no major modifications in older air conditioning units are needed. Your existing refrigerant leak detectors can also discern the R-1234yf leak.

At Import Auto Service, we can help you make the switch by carefully making necessary repairs and replacing your current refrigerant with R-1234yf. Now you can use your vehicle air-conditioner without worrying about global warming. Now you can drive cool while keeping your planet cooler. Give a call to Import Auto Service to learn more about switching to R-1234yf. We specialize in all the aspects of vehicle air-conditioning and can help you to switch to the right refrigerant worry free.

Air Conditioning Inspection Checklist

If you are planning for a vacation or weekend getaway in summers, it is always advisable to conduct an inspection of your car’s air-conditioning system because a hot and stifling vehicle can spoil your holiday. Moreover, this periodic under hood inspection would also help to spot air conditioning problems. Import Auto Services Inc. is providing you with the checklist to inspect your air conditioning system before the hot weather arrives in full swing.

But before you inspect your air condition system always remember to be careful if you are under the hood and your car’s engine is running. Keep your hands, clothing and hair away from all the rotating components and do not forget to wear eye-protection around the running engine.

Below mentioned are the points you should look for:

1. Are the mounting bolts of A/C components in place and tightly secured?
2. On the A/C system service ports, are the caps installed? These caps keep out the dirt and provide a seal for the refrigerant as well
3. Are there are any signs of leakage, cracking, or damage along the refrigerant lines, hoses and fittings?
4. Are the pulleys and clutch hub properly aligned and bound?
5. Are there any signs of wear or corrosion at the wiring harnesses and electrical connectors?
6. Are the condenser and evaporator fully opened?
7. Check the drive belt for the signs of deterioration or wear.
8. Check the compressor pulley for a squealing noise; as such noise indicates worn or slipping belt.
9. Inspect compressor clutch for grinding noise, if any such noise is detected it indicates worn clutch bearing.
10. Is there any clicking or heavy sound emanating from the compressor? If yes, it suggests internal wear.
11. Check electric cooling fan for the squealing and/ or vibration. Any such signs indicate a bad armature.
12. Is A/C system blowing cool air? Barely cooled air or luke warm air indicates low refrigerant charge.
13. With the A/C switched off and engine running, look for any knocking or rumbling sounds in the vicinity of the compressor. Any such noises indicate failing compressor clutch or loose mounting hardware.
14. Make sure that the condenser is free of any obstructions like; leaves or insects. Any such obstruction could lessen the air flow.
15. Check the evaporator for the frost. Frost on evaporator indicates problem with thermostatic switch or suction throting valve (STV).
16. Check out for odors when you switch A/C system. Any odor indicates plugged drain tube due to which water sits in the evaporator case.

So if you find any of the warning signs mentioned above, Contact Import Auto Services Inc. immediately, as it is the high time to get your A/c system checked. Our ASE certified technicians use latest diagnostic tools and are experienced in repairing and servicing precision imports.

Have you got your Car’s A.C. Ready for Summers?

With summers rolling around, you should consider about your car’s air conditioner repair. Since you are not using your car’s air conditioner for past several months, there are chances that it would not be working properly and may be emitting musty odor.  An unused car air condition system can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungus which is not suitable for the patients of asthma and allergies, so keeping your air conditioner in good shape and condition is not only important for your comfort but also for your health.

For the repair and restoration of your car’s air condition system you need the expertise of the certified and experienced automobile professionals. At Import Auto Service, Inc., our ASE certified professionals are experienced in diagnosing, repairing and servicing the car’s air condition systems using the state-of–art diagnostic tools and techniques. We visually examine and check hoses, lines and seals for leaks, check temperature readings, examine your car’s compressor and as well check the drive belt for cracks or damage. We provide customized air conditioner repair services, according to the make and model of your vehicle and its specific needs and requirements.

Import Auto Service, Inc. provides a complete and comprehensive air conditioning services including everything from testing and regular maintenance to complete air conditioner repair. Our comprehensive air conditioner service includes:

• Air vent temperature check
• Replacement or examine receiver drier/filter
• Adjustment of drive belts and pulleys
• Examine operations of valves and thermostats
• Leak test of system lines and components
• Checks hoses and components
• Cleaning and clearing condenser fins/unit coils
• Deodorize and sanitize system
• Checking the amp draw of compressor
• Oiling the fan motors
• Checking the coolant level
• System PSI pressure reading
• Examine blower fan
• Diagnose possible problems with faulty switches, fuses, wiring, condenser or internal compressor seal failure

All equipments including your car air conditioner need regular maintenance for working efficiently. So Import Auto Service, Inc. advices you to:

• Buy good filters and change them regularly
• Annual and regular service of air conditioner
• Keep the bushes and other such materials away from the outer unit of your air conditioner

Contact Import Auto Service, Inc. for the diagnosis, repair and servicing of your car’s air conditioner. Our certified professionals are able to detect areas creating problems and repair them before they turn into something heinous. Right now is the time to get your car’s air conditioner fixed and get it ready for the coming summers.