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Birmingham’s Leaders in Import Auto A/C Maintenance

The Air conditioning system (AC) of cars is given very little thought until it shows issues and stops working. What happens when your AC starts blowing warm air? You might be frustrated with those pre-planned long trips. When you can identify when your vehicle is experiencing common AC issues, like dirty air filters or refrigerant leaks, it may help to resolve them more quickly. We at Franklin Automotive, located near you in Birmingham, Alabama, will provide some comprehensive information on car AC repair and service. Stay tuned!

Troubleshooting Common Car AC Service and Repair Requirements in Birmingham, AL

Low Level of Refrigerant

A low refrigerant level is the most common reason your car’s air conditioner does not work. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system, which is responsible for absorbing heat from your cabin and releasing it outside. When there is a leak in the hoses, seals, or components, the refrigerant level drops, and the system cannot cool the air effectively. The refrigerant lines are prone to leaks because they lie under high pressure and constant vibration, which makes the seals and hoses wear down over time. Visit us at Franklin Automotive for a thorough inspection of your AC system’s issues.

Clogged and Dirty Air Filter

The cabin air filter restricts dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from entering your car’s ventilation system. It can get severely clogged over time after continuous use. When you find there is a reduced airflow from the vents, even on high fan settings, and you can also smell a stale and musty odor, it is a symptom of a clogged air filter. While a clogged air filter does not directly affect the AC’s cooling capability, it severely restricts the amount of cooled air reaching the cabin and makes the AC feel weak.

Faulty Compressor

The compressor is considered the heart of the AC system in any car. It pressurizes the refrigerant to kick-start the cooling cycle. When the compressor fails, the entire system grinds to a halt. When the compressor starts failing, the AC will blow warm air. You might also hear loud grinding, rattling, or squealing noises. The compressor clutch, i.e., the front wheel, is not engaging at all. The compressor fails due to insufficient lubrication, electrical issues with the clutch, or internal mechanical wear. A failing compressor can also send metal shavings throughout the system, which requires a costly flush and replacement.

Your Import Auto Experts

At Franklin Automotive, we specialize in complete A/C maintenance & repairs for the area’s most popular Import vehicles, including all models of:

Each vehicle may have unique service requirements but with over 150 years of combined experience, our ASE certified mechanics are confident we can get any issues with your A/C diagnosed & repaired as quickly and accurately as possible.

Complete A/C Maintenance You Can Trust

We believe in quality over quantity when it comes to taking care of your vehicle. That’s why we invest in the latest factory-grade tools & equipment available to ensure accurate, high-quality service from initial diagnostics to any needed repairs. Our mechanics will always check your entire A/C system to make sure everything is in proper working condition, including:

  • Compressor
  • Condenser
  • Receiver
  • Thermal Expansion Valve
  • Evaporator

We also check:

  • Hoses
  • Lines
  • Freon Recharging

We back all our services & repairs with our minimum 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and guarantee better A/C performance after every visit.

Why Opt for Franklin Automotive Near You in Birmingham, AL

You must look no further than Franklin Automotive, which is currently offering its services in and around Birmingham, AL. Our dedicated auto professionals have expertise across every field, from routine care to minor repairs to full replacements. We are the best auto shop in town because:

  • Our ASE-Master certified technicians have the expertise and experience to identify problems before they escalate.
  • Our shop has been affiliated with ASA and iAP20 for over 20 years.
  • We provide you with a comfortable waiting area with free WiFi, complimentary coffee, snacks, and beverages.
  • We have clean restrooms on-site for your convenience.
  • We are providing free key fob battery replacement and free tire rotation.
  • We have loaner cars available for your use.
  • We provide after-hours pick-up and drop-off.
  • We also offer free shuttle service within a 10-mile radius of our store.

Call or Visit Our Shop Today

Since 1992 the team at Franklin Automotive has helped Import auto owners throughout Birmingham and surrounding areas including:

To make sure your vehicle’s A/C is in proper working condition all year-round please call or visit our shop today to schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

FAQs

Certain factors cause your AC to smell bad, primarily related to mold & bacteria growth in the evaporator and cabin air filter.

Basic maintenance and recharging take 1-2 hours, whereas complex repairs might take longer.

The emergence of warm air from your AC could be due to low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a clogged condenser.

The illumination of the air conditioning warning light on the dashboard may indicate malfunctioning internal components of the AC system.

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