Has your vehicle’s A/C system stopped cooling properly?

Now that we’re well into summer, most of us are putting our cars’ air conditioning systems to the test.

With increased usage comes the increased chance of a system failure, for one reason or another.

There are a number of things that could go wrong with you’re A/C, but one of the most common is that it needs to be recharged.

Recharging your A/C is a relatively simple process, but should be performed by an automotive technician due to strict guidelines laid out by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (or BAR). The BAR’s guidelines are based on regulatory programs of the EPA and detail how to properly test, evacuate, and charge a vehicle’s A/C system.

The best thing you can do for your safety and for the health of your car is make sure that your technician abides by these guidelines. Don’t be afraid to ask the technician directly about the BAR guidelines—it’s important that they’re followed.

A good way to know if a technician is up to snuff is to find out whether or not they are ASE certified. ASE certification comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which has been improving the quality of vehicle repair for decades. If a technician is ASE certified, you can trust they know what they’re doing and are following all necessary guidelines.

There are a few other things to be aware of when you get your A/C system charged. Is your technician using proper charging equipment or just a gauge and a can? Are they changing the Schrader valves? Are they checking the entire A/C system for leaks or failures? Do they check both the low and high side PSI? Improper PSI on the low or high side will result in inefficient A/C operation—a common mistake among poorly trained techs.

There are many parts that make up a vehicle’s A/C system. If even one part is compromised, it could mean that you’ll end up stuck in traffic in the baking sun. Keep yourself safe and comfortable and go with a vehicle repair technician that knows all of the intricacies of the system. Poway Imports technicians are ASE certified and have been trained to use certified equipment to properly test, evacuate, and charge your A/C system.