Articles & Research

Within the heart of every internal combustion engine lies a carefully balanced system designed to regulate temperature. Antifreeze and coolant are at the core of this system, working together to prevent overheating, guard against freezing in cold climates, and protect critical components from corrosion.

When the weather is hot and muggy, having fully functional air conditioning in your car can feel like a lifeline. Yet, many drivers find themselves stuck in traffic with windows rolled down, sweat beading on their foreheads, and warm air blowing from the vents. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my car’s AC not working?” you are not alone. There are several reasons behind a poorly performing or completely non-functional climate control system, and learning to identify these causes can save you both time and money.

Nearly every modern vehicle comes equipped with an air conditioning (AC) system designed to manage cabin temperature and humidity. Contrary to common belief, these systems do not actually produce cold air. Instead, they extract heat and moisture from the air inside the car, transferring it outside.Nearly every modern vehicle comes equipped with an air conditioning (AC) system designed to manage cabin temperature and humidity. Contrary to common belief, these systems do not actually produce cold air. Instead, they extract heat and moisture from the air inside the car, transferring it outside.

To fully service a vehicle’s air conditioning system, you will typically need a set of AC manifold gauges, a dedicated flush kit, and a vacuum pump. These tools help identify system pressures, remove contaminants, and restore optimal refrigerant levels, ensuring consistent cooling performance.

The air conditioning compressor stands as one of the central components within your car’s climate control system. This small yet powerful device transforms low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure state, enabling it to circulate through the system’s condenser, evaporator, and associated components.

An Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, sometimes referred to as a coolant temperature sensor or engine temperature sensor, monitors how hot or cold the engine’s coolant is at any given moment. This component is generally a small, threaded sensor that screws directly into the cooling system housing, most often into or near the thermostat housing, the cylinder head, or a water passage. Its core purpose is to convey accurate temperature data to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU), which then makes ongoing adjustments to maintain stable engine operation.

Maintaining a comfortable climate inside your vehicle is essential regardless of external temperatures. A properly functioning car air conditioning (AC) system ensures that interior conditions remain stable, enhancing both comfort and safety.

When you turn on your car’s air conditioning to escape a blazing summer day or a humid environment, the last thing you want is a wave of unpleasant odors hitting your senses. Yet this scenario is all too familiar to many drivers: a musty, sour, or even strangely sweet smell emanating from the vents. Unpleasant odors do more than make a drive uncomfortable. They often indicate underlying issues that could affect your health, your car’s performance, and its overall longevity.