HEATING & AIR

Heating & Air Conditioning Facts & Information

Your vehicle's HVAC system is essential not only for comfort but for defrosting and defogging windows, uninterrupted flow of engine coolant, and proper operation of belts that drive your alternator, power steering, and water pump. Heating and cooling issues come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the type of car or truck you drive and the make or model of that vehicle, but Tom's Car Care Center can handle them all.

Your heat and A/C systems are complicated, to say the least, requiring the right tools and constant training to keep up-to-date on the new information and diagnostic tools required to take care of your specific system. Our technicians have experience in all makes and models and can quickly find and solve any issue you might have with your heat and A/C system should it be due to an issue with your compressors, high-pressure lines, special gasses, condensers, actuators, electronic and vacuum signals, or multiple other aspects of your car or truck. Your air conditioning system has to work in harmony to effectively cool your vehicle infrastructure and, when needed heat the inside of your vehicle for your comfort. The longer an A/C system remains broken, the more problems it will develop, so it's a good idea to have it serviced regularly.

We have found that the heating systems are generally far more reliable than A/C since they primarily operate on circulating engine coolant. However, if you're having heating issues, the consequences are usually far greater if neglected. Lack of defrosting and defogging ability is not just inconvenient but also extremely unsafe. A clogged heater core can cause engine overheating, and a failed heater core will leak coolant into your vehicle, damaging other components. If your heater is misbehaving, have it inspected immediately. Often a simple coolant flush will correct the issue if we can catch it quickly.

When you bring your vehicle to our ASE-certified automotive specialists for an HVAC check or a repair of your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system, our highly trained technicians may perform any of the following services:

• Air conditioning performance test
• Radiator cooling fan and condenser check
• Thorough inspection and repair and replacement of HVAC components due to leaks, degraded seals, and malfunctions, including hoses, gaskets, and belts
• System pressure checks, such as with high and low-pressure hoses
• Air conditioning recharge
• Refrigerant refill
• Replacement or cleaning of the cabin air filter
• Condenser repair and replacement
• Compressor repair and replacement
• Evaporator repair and replacement
• Accumulator/receiver-drier repair and replacement
• Radiator repair and replacement
• Thermostat repair and replacement
• Water pump repair and replacement

Regular and preventative maintenance of your HVAC system will ensure you avoid many of the preventable extensive repairs that arise from failure to properly service and maintain your vehicle's air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system. If you have noticed exterior or interior leaks, odd smells, or a failure to maintain cabin temperature, our technicians are qualified and prepared to quickly diagnose any HVAC issues in your vehicle and efficiently complete any necessary maintenance or repair services to have you back on the road as soon as possible. Sometimes just rolling down the windows and living with the problem isn't the "simple solution" you think it is but the start of really causing major damage to your vehicle. 

Our shop is here to save you money and keep you on the road going where you want - when you want, so if you have questions or issues with getting your service work done simply give us a call. Whether your car, truck, or SUV needs a coolant flush, an A/C system flush or charge, actuator replacement, or any other sort of repair or maintenance, we will ensure you drive in comfort again.

Typical Wear and Tear: Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include:

• Driving habits
• Operating conditions
• Type of vehicle
• Type of coolant
• Frequency of regular maintenance such as coolant changes

Symptoms that you are having an issue with your engine cooling system include,

• Overheating
• Sweet smell
• Leaks
• Repeatedly need to add fluid