Auto Service Experts Automotive Air Conditioning Specialists are Experienced with Electrical / Hybrid Car AC Repair.

Auto AC repair in Blairsville is especially important due to extremely high temperatures and humidity. Your car air conditioning systems work extremely hard to keep you cool, and it is quite obvious when something is wrong with it. There are several different types of problems which can cause AC failure. These range from simple fixes to major repairs or complete system replacements, and many of these issues are completely preventable with proper maintenance.

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If your vehicle's air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it's time to have it diagnosed and repaired by an ASE certified automotive HVAC specialist. AC problems do not always require major repair. They could be caused by something as simple as a loose connection which causes an electrical short, or even just debris clogging the filter and blocking airflow. It takes a diagnostic expert to determine the exact source of the problem and identify the underlying causes in order to ensure the air conditioning system is completely repaired and that the issues do not repeat themselves. Incorrect or incomplete diagnoses often lead to replacing parts unnecessarily, which means you could spend more money than necessary without completely fixing the underlying cause of the issue.

Mechanical Problems

An auto AC system consists of several moving components which work together. Faulty or broken components will diminish or completely prevent proper air flow.

Compressor Failure

AC compressor failure is a common but serious issue which can often be prevented with regular auto a/c checks and maintenance. A car air conditioner cannot function without the compressor. Unfortunately once the point of compressor failure has been reached, simply replacing the unit will not always completely resolve the problem. It is imperative to diagnose the cause of compressor failure to ensure that it won't happen again. 

The most common reason a compressor gives out is because it has overheated. Issues such as a clogged filter or a buildup of contaminants in the coils can cause the compressor to run non-stop trying unsuccessfully to cool the vehicle cabin air. This constant strain on the system can cause it to fail entirely. Low Freon (or refrigerant), too much Freon, or using the wrong type of refrigerant for your vehicle are also conditions which place excessive strain on the compressor. Similarly, clogged a/c lines or using the wrong size line can cause the system to overwork. AC inspections are designed to catch these problems early on before they cause permanent damage to the compressor which requires more serious and expensive repair.

Air is Not Blowing Cold

If the air coming from your AC vents is not icy cold, but still cool, it could be due to a clogged or dirty cabin air filter, or debris and contaminants restricting air flow through the condenser. These are easy problems to repair if you have them fixed as soon as you notice the drop in AC performance. If not attended to, they will cause your compressor to overwork to the point of failure. There may also be a malfunction within the cooling fans, radiator, or condenser which causes the air temperature to increase. A proper inspection by a competent technician will find these issues, as well as verify that the pressure readings from within the system meet manufacturer recommendations.

Air is not flowing properly

There could be several reasons that your auto AC is not blowing air properly. Air flow cools the Freon and circulates cold air throughout the automobile. Insufficient air flow is often caused by a malfunctioning cooling fan, broken compressor, or blown fuse. A poorly maintained condenser can develop a buildup of contaminants and debris, which also restricts air flow. The cabin air filter can become restricted or clogged which prevents cool air from flowing into the vehicle cabin and causes the system to work extremely hard only to provide poor results.

Air conditioner is leaking coolant/refrigerant

Car AC leaks are usually caused by a crack or puncture within the system’s hoses and connections. Coolant is vital to cold air production. If the coolant level is low the AC will not work correctly. A portion of coolant is lost over time under normal operating conditions, so it is a good idea to have a reliable mechanic check your Freon level annually.

Engine Overheating

Extremely high engine temperatures can prevent coolant from circulating and cooling properly. In this case, your vehicle may require engine repair or cooling system repair to solve the problem. Have an experienced mechanic diagnose and repair overheating or auto cooling system problems immediately- allowing the engine to overheat causes major damage to your car or truck!

If you are experiencing these, or any other AC performance problems...

Ask about our FREE Auto AC Repair Diagnostic!

Our ASE certified mechanics will pinpoint your vehicle’s problem and complete your AC repairs quickly, completely, and to factory standards.

Check Engine Light Scans & Diagnostics Free With Repairs

Dashboard Warning Lights - What Do They Mean?

Car Maintenance & Vehicle Safety Issues

If your check engine light is on, it is pretty obvious that your vehicle requires some sort of repair or service, but what do the many other warning indicator lights mean? With today's highly technical and electrically controlled vehicles, dashboard warning lights are more specific and varied than ever. Some warning lights alert you to the presence of a general automotive problem somewhere within the vehicle. Some remind us when our vehicle is due for regular maintenance, and some alert us to very specific and dangerous conditions that must be repaired by an experienced mechanic immediately.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light indicates that the auto computer has found a problem in the vehicle, most likely in the auto ignition, auto fuel system, or auto emissions systems. This light is designed to help you catch minor car problems before they turn into major automotive repair needs. Take your car, truck, or SUV to your local auto repair mechanic shop for diagnosis.

With specialized computer scanners, a car mechanic can find vehicle trouble codes to determine which of the automotive systems is malfunctioning. It is important to note that trouble codes simply point an auto repair mechanic in the right direction. It still takes considerable automotive and diagnostic expertise to find and repair the exact source of your car's problem.

***ADVANTAGE MOTORSPORTS Auto Repair Shop offers

FREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC WITH REPAIRS!

Antilock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light

Your antilock brake system light may indicate a few different things. It could mean that your car is low on brake fluid. It will also let you know if your antilock brakes system sensors have become corroded, or if the brake calipers are sticking. These conditions can all lead to serious safety issues including your vehicle failing to stop in an emergency. Have a brake mechanic specialist at a high-quality local brake shop diagnose the vehicle.

Charge Car Battery Light/ Car Battery Gauge

The automotive charging system powers the auto electrical components within the vehicle and recharges the battery while the car's engine is running. Your car or truck's engine relies on this reserve of electricity to generate the spark which ignites the gas to start and run the vehicle. The charge car battery light indicates that the charging system is malfunctioning.

Your vehicle may be in need of alternator repair even if the car battery is not yet dead. If you ignore this light, you will eventually find yourself with a dead car battery, and your car won't start. Operating the vehicle on electricity from the battery alone will only work for a short time because the alternator is not functioning to simultaneously recharge it. Drive your vehicle to the best local auto repair shop near you for diagnosis and repair.

*** Conserve electricity while driving to your mechanic shop by turning off all auto electrical components, and avoid turning off and restarting the engine.

Vehicle maintenance & safety issue dashboard indicators light up temporarily when you turn your car on.

Low Auto Engine Oil Warning Light

The oil light indicates that your vehicle is low on oil. Low engine oil is very serious, pull over immediately! Driving with low engine oil can cause the engine to lock up or overheat. Both of these conditions cause major damage to your vehicle's engine and require professional engine repair or engine rebuilding by a certified auto engine mechanic.

*** Keeping up with regular oil changes and maintaining the proper level of high-quality engine oil are the most important preventative maintenance steps you can take to extend the performance and lifetime of your car or truck's engine.

Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge monitors the temperature of the engine. When the needle is in the red zone, it means that your car is overheating. Pull over immediately! Do not attempt to drive the vehicle to the best auto repair shop nearby until you have given the engine ample time to cool. When a vehicle's engine overheats it may require radiator replacement or other cooling system repairs such as thermostat or water pump replacement.

*** If you continue driving while your car is overheating, it can lead to a crack in the cylinder head or a blown head gasket. Both of these issues require major professional auto repair, and you may have to replace your auto engine entirely.

Brake System Warning Light

Your vehicle's brake light remains illuminated when the parking brake is engaged. If the brake light remains on when the parking brake is not engaged, your truck or car is low on brake fluid. Low brake fluid may be caused by a leak in the brake lines or the need for a brake job or brake pad replacement. This is a major safety issue- without brake fluid, your car will not stop in an emergency!

*** It is important to note that this light ONLY indicates low brake fluid (or that the parking brake is on). Your vehicle may have severely worn brake pads or be in need of brake repair even if the light is not on. Have your brakes checked regularly by an ASE certified mechanic at a quality San Antonio brake repair shop, and have any "screeching" noise from the brakes diagnosed immediately.

Gas Gauge/ Gas Warning Light

This one is pretty obvious, but there are a few tips to remember. Don't drive with the gas tank on empty! First of all, you might run out of gas and get stranded on a busy highway, or in the middle of nowhere (think "Wrong Turn"). Driving on "E" can also cause auto engine problems by allowing contaminants to be sucked from the bottom of the gas tank into the fuel system.

*** It is also a good idea to monitor your car or truck's gas mileage. A decline in fuel economy is a sign that your car may be in need of a car tune-up or engine performance repair.

Complete Automotive Braking System Inspections

Advantage Motorsports Brake Shop

What is involved in a complete brake job?

To properly complete a job, a detailed inspection should first be performed to determine which parts are damaged or worn and need to be replaced. At most brake shops, service includes replacing pads and rotors (or turning/resurfacing the rotors). There are, however, several more parts which are integral to the system, and ultimately your safety! Your car's brakes are arguably its most important safety feature and not an area where you should settle for a job half done. Auto Service Experts Brake Shop in San Antonio, TX employs mechanics who are ASE certified brake repair specialists and have over 20 years of experience providing top quality service in our local and surrounding areas.

What inspections does a brake check include?

Test drive the vehicle to check for signs of brake problems including shaking, grinding, squealing noises, low brake pedal, and diminished stopping power.
Check the thickness of disc brake pads and look for signs of uneven wear, cracks, or separation from plates.
Inspect calipers & wheel cylinders for cracks and leaks.
Inspect the master cylinder for leaks and worn or damaged linings.
Check lines and hoses for leaks, corrosion, and other signs of damage.
Check the level and condition of brake fluid.
On vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes, ensure that shoes are the proper thickness, and are not loose or cracked.
Inspect drum hardware noting any corroded, loose, or discolored components.
Ensure proper operation of ABS and brake warning lights.
Check for proper parking/emergency brake operation.

After a detailed inspection, the pads and rotors were replaced on this Ford F150

After thoroughly inspecting the system, an expert mechanic can make the right recommendations of which parts should be replaced, which are in good condition, and which ones may need attention in the near future. Because components wear out at different rates, you may have the option to replace only a few necessary parts or to go ahead and replace all moderately to extremely worn parts at once. For example, front pads often wear out sooner than rear pads or shoes. Keep in mind that following a few driving tips and keeping up with regular service prevents brake problems, extends lifetime, and avoids repair.

This is a decision which should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the condition of each component, as well as time and budget constraints. Parts can be replaced only as needed to ensure that you get the most life out of each, or you may want to save time and a little money by restoring the entire system to like new condition at once.

Over recent years the price of rotors has decreased dramatically, making it more cost effective to replace worn brake rotors with new ones than to turn or machine the old ones. The price difference is usually only about $20, while the difference in performance and lifetime is worth much more!

The quality of parts used is an important consideration when deciding which is the best brake shop near you to trust your vehicle to. You may be able to save a little money by going with the cheapest brake job around, but keep in mind this usually does not involve a proper inspection, includes only the bare minimum, uses low-quality parts, and does not provide much of a warranty. The difference in low vs. high-quality parts can mean the difference between having to replace brake pads once a year and only needing to worry about it every 3 years or more. Of course, there is also a vast difference in performance and the ability to stop in an emergency.

Advantage Motorsports uses high-quality parts and backs brake repairs with a Full 2 Year, 24,000 Mile Warranty.

Diagnostic Fees Waived With Repairs!