What Are the Signs of a Bad Auto AC Hose?
The AC hose is a crucial part of your vehicle’s cooling system. These hoses are made of high-pressure rubber that has special automotive ac hose fittings crimped onto each end. The purpose of the hose is to move refrigerant from the AC compressor to the other components of the AC system. The refrigerant can then cool the air about to enter the car’s interior. Hoses can sometimes fail, though, because they are being exposed to high pressures. This quick guide will provide information on how to tell if your AC hose is going bad in your vehicle.
Air Is Not Cool
One of the most common and obvious signs that something is wrong is that the air in the vehicle is not blowing cool. In some cases, the hose could have simply come loose, but a more serious cause of air not cooling is that the hose has been damaged or worn out. If the hose is damaged, you will start to leak refrigerant. This loss of refrigerant will impact the system’s cooling power. You would need to have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
Visibly Damaged Hose
If you know your way around under the hood, you may be able to visibly see that the hose is damaged. You may see one of the following issues that need to be addressed:
- Cracks, cuts, or breaks in the line
- Fluid leaking from the hose
- Fluid leaking from hose connectors on either end
- Loose connections on either end
Should I Be Concerned About a Damaged Hose?
A damaged AC hose does not necessarily compromise the safety of your vehicle. However, driving during the hot summer months without AC is certainly not pleasant. It can also be unadvisable for some people to ride in a hot car. For instance, elderly people or people with lung issues are often advised not to be out in the heat.
You should also note that if the hose is leaking fluid, that fluid is considered a contaminant to the rest of the vehicle. You can get a bad hose fixed quickly by visiting a local mechanic.
Can I Fix The Hose Myself?
In most cases, you will not be able to fix the hose yourself. The reason is that a person must have an EPA-approved Section 608 license to handle refrigerant. It is actually illegal for you to handle refrigerant without this license. The best action is to take your vehicle to a trusted local mechanic specializing in AC repairs.
Categorised in: Bad Auto AC