Keeping Your Vehicle’s Air Cooler and Fresher!

Most all vehicles have a recirculation button with the AC controls. It is the picture of a car with a U-turn arrow on it, but many of us are unsure when to use it.  Well, the easy answer is to use it in the summer and turn it off in the winter. The recirculation button simply takes the air from inside the car and recirculates it in the cabin instead of pulling fresh air from outside. 

On days when it is miserably hot outside, the recirculate button uses the cooler air in the cabin, which will keep the inside air cooler, instead of pulling hot air from outside and trying to cool it. Using the recirculation feature will get your car cooler and will decrease the wear and tear on your AC system.

Here is something that is good to know! If your car has been baking in the sun all day, it’s better to roll the windows down and turn the recirculate off for the first minute or so to get rid of the super-hot air inside the car before turning the recirculate on.

Also, any time you are stuck in traffic (summer or winter) be sure to use the recirculate. If you are pulling air from outside, then you are pulling in all the pollutants and carbon monoxide from all the traffic. Studies show that recirculating your AC can cut down on the pollutants entering your vehicle by 20% when stuck in traffic!

Don’t forget your cabin filter! This will also ensure smooth and quite blower operation and keep out dust and pollen! Have your cabin filter inspected every 15,000 miles.

Certified Automotive Specialists
“Always Glad to Help”
Vermont626-963-0814 or Route 66626-852-0908
or visit our website www.CertifiedAutoCa.com
Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Is It Hot Enough For You?

By Gene Morrill
Maintenance is easy to schedule. Breakdowns are not.

How many times do you hear that phrase in the course of the summer? We hear about the importance of taking care of ourselves during hot weather on the news and read about it in various publications. We are told to drink lots of water to keep hydrated, especially when exercising or doing physical labor.

Take a moment and think about your car…it gets hot too! We often take for granted just how hard it does work for us in all kinds of weather. When you see a car sitting on the side of the road with steam rising from the hood, that is an overheated vehicle!

Many things will cause a car to overheat… a hose, radiator, head gasket, thermostat, water pump or even the computer-controlled electric fans may not be functioning. With so many critical components that have to work together to keep the engine cool, we recommend an inspection every 3 to 4 months of these items.

I keep repeating this statement and here it is again, it is always less expensive to maintain your car versus waiting for it to break and then fixing it. Most newer cars have a warning system to alert you of a failure. Please don’t ignore these warnings. We have many customers who kept driving after a warning light came on and destroyed the engine.

If you think your car is overheating, get to the side of the road quickly and safely. Turn off your radio and air conditioner, then turn your heater on too high while keeping the engine idling. If no heat comes out, turn the car off as soon as possible, no heat means no coolant in the engine.

It is never wise to try to drive a car with a problem, unless safety is a concern. Most drivers have a roadside assistance program… if you don’t, ask us about our free assistance service with some purchases.

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

AIR CONDITIONING… TO SEAL OR NOT TO SEAL? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Air Conditioning Sealant

I wanted to share with you a situation that happened at our shop recently. One of our customers, we’ll call him Bob, had a situation with his air conditioning system. It was not cooling but that is not an unusual situation during this hot weather. Even systems that are in good condition can lose up to 4 ounces of Freon a year. He shopped around looking for an inexpensive option and ended up taking his car to another repair facility to fix it. They added the Freon but within a day or so it was still not cooling. This shop did a thorough examination and found that the condenser had a leak. They gave Bob an estimate of $650 to replace and recharge it.

Bob decided to try other options that he had heard about and researched online. He had read about sealers and decided to try it. He chose one for $200. He wasn’t sure it would work but felt it was worth it if he saved $450. Sadly, it didn’t work.

He then brought the car to us to see what we could do. When he told us the scenario we were concerned because we had seen the results of other quick fixes with sealant in the past. We checked out the vehicle and found the problem. He had used an extreme overdose of sealer. Many do-it-yourselfers feel that more is better when using a sealant but actually, it is just the opposite. The sealer is designed to become a solid when it comes in contact with air and that is why only a small amount is needed. When too much sealer is used, the results, as with this vehicle, is damage to every part of the air conditioning system.

Instead of replacing the original condenser as the first shop advised, it now needed the condenser plus a compressor, expansion valve, switches, and most of the hoses. That $650 estimate is now a cost of more than $2500!

Most of the time when your A/C isn’t cooling it is just a case of adding Freon. That is the good news. When it involves more though, A/C failures are one of the most expensive automotive repairs because it is challenging to find small leaks. Only large leaks can be found with a visual inspection.

We truly understand why Bob tried to fix the leak(s) himself. He hoped to save money but I will tell you that when it comes to this type of repair, we don’t recommend you try it on your own unless you have a lot of automotive experience. If you do decide to try it yourself though, please proceed with caution and don’t overdo the sealer. Too much can be a very costly mistake.

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

How We Keep Your Ride Going Strong in Glendora’s Summer’s Heat

Vector illustration of a red car moving along the ocean mountain road.

We know we can feel our energy ooze out of us in the summer heat and your car feels it too! Just imagine sitting there day after day on the hot pavement in Glendora while the relentless summer sun shines down on you. Car’s components such as rubber are very sensitive to heat and tend to become brittle and crack. Here a just a few things we at Certified Automotive Specialists look for when we service your vehicle for summer:

  • Batteries take a beating. Between the car’s vibrations and heat, they usually only last five years. It is always a good idea to have them tested and the technicians at Certified Automotive Specialists can help determine how much life they have left in them.

  • Cooling systems are very susceptible to summer heat. You will notice more cars sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the hood during the summer months. We always check your cooling system thoroughly to make sure the coolant isn’t contaminated. We also check the rubber components for cracks and frays. If they are past their prime, we will recommend replacing them so you don’t end up on the side of the road. We have had more than a few vehicles towed in to Certified Automotive Specialists due to a faulty cooling system that could have been prevented.

  • Tires need the proper inflation to function well. They don’t operate well if they are over-inflated or under-inflated. They need to be just right!

  • Fluids and filters need to be checked and replaced if needed. They do a lot of work to protect our vehicles.

  • Air-conditioning systems are a must in Glendora and need to be looked at so you and your passengers stay comfortable no matter how high the outside temperatures climb. We make sure to check the refrigerant and other components.

We are here to help your car face the challenges that come with hot days. Give us a call. You and your car will be glad you did!

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions, and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

How We Keep Your Ride Going Strong in Glendora’s Summer’s Heat

Gene-Car-Talk

We know we can feel our energy ooze out of us in the summer heat and your car feels it too!  Just imagine sitting there day after day on the hot pavement in Glendora while the relentless summer sun shines down on you.  Car’s components such as rubber are very sensitive to heat and tend to become brittle and crack.  Here a just a few things we at Certified Automotive Specialists look for when we service your vehicle for summer:

  • Batteries take a beating. Between the car’s vibrations and heat, they usually only last five years.  It is always a good idea to have them tested and the technicians at Certified Automotive Specialists can help determine how much life they have left in them.
  • Cooling systems are very susceptible to summer heat. You will notice more cars sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the hood during the summer months.  We always check your cooling system thoroughly to make sure the coolant isn’t contaminated.  We also check the rubber components for cracks and frays.  If they are past their prime, we will recommend replacing them so you don’t end up on the side of the road. We have had more than a few vehicles towed in to Certified Automotive Specialists due to a faulty cooling system that could have been prevented.
  • Tires need the proper inflation to function well. They don’t operate well if they are over-inflated or under-inflated. They need to be just right!
  • Fluids and filters need to be checked and replaced if needed. They do a lot of work to protect our vehicles.
  • Air-conditioning systems are a must in Glendora and need to be looked at so you and your passengers stay comfortable no matter how high the outside temperatures climb. We make sure to check the refrigerant and other components.

We are here to help your car face the challenges that come with hot days.  Give us a call.  You and your car will be glad you did!

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

AIR CONDITIONING FREON UPDATE

 

Gene-Car-Talk

In an effort to slow down the human factor in global warming, car manufacturers in the USA will now receive substantial CO2 credits which means more miles to the gallon if they comply with the plan to phase out R-134a refrigerant. Europe has already ramped up in this area.

The new EPA regulation states that R-134a cannot be installed in new cars and light trucks built for domestic sale after 2021. Similar regulations for medium and heavy-duty trucks are coming this year, so the 2021 deadline may affect all domestic vehicles by that time. Vehicles for export will still be able to use R-134a systems until 2025.

In the meantime, Daimler, which had charged that the alternative refrigerant R-1234yf posed potential fire safety dangers, has finally agreed to use R-1234yf systems in its Mercedes vehicles for markets where the refrigerant either is mandated or is effectively pressed for by regulatory bodies (as in the U.S.). There has not been a set rollout schedule, however. Daimler stated that it will add an under the hood argon gas canister with spray lines directed at all parts that its engineers say might become hot enough for a leaking refrigerant to ignite. It will be a fire-extinguisher of sorts.

R-1234yf cannot be retrofitted to R-134a systems so production of R-134a will continue indefinitely for service. The R-1234yf CAFE credits are 13.8 g/mi for cars, 17.2 g/mi for trucks. (GWP, a metric used by environmental regulatory agencies worldwide, is a measure of how much a given mass of a gas contributes to global warming. It is a relative scale which compares the amount of heat trapped by greenhouse gas to the amount of heat trapped in an equal mass of CO2.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles began transitioning its changeover in 2014MY. General Motors has had just one entry in that period, the Cadillac XTS, but GM will be virtually across the board by the end of this year. Ford says it will begin its changeover in April with the Escape, but no details of its rollout are available. Sending vehicles with either refrigerant down the same assembly line is not a difficult process.

The price of R-1234yf is reported to me much higher that R-134a.  We at Certified Automotive Specialists wanted Glendora drivers to know what is coming!  To find out more about air conditioning and Freon (refrigerant) visit our website.

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

 

Should I Use AC Leak-Sealer, or Will It Damage My AC System?

Should I Use AC Leak-Sealer, or Will It Damage My AC System

If you’re dealing with a leaking air conditioning system in your car, you might be tempted to grab a can of AC leak-sealer from the nearest auto parts store. After all, it’s an easy fix, right? But before you go down that road, there are some important things you should know about these products and how they might affect your vehicle in the long run.

Two of the most common questions we hear from our customers are:

  1. Can AC leak-sealer damage my car’s AC system by gumming it up?
  2. Is it true that most shops won’t service a car’s AC system if it contains leak-sealer because it could damage their equipment?

These are valid concerns, and the answers might surprise you.

What Happens When You Use AC Leak-Sealer?

Imagine this scenario: Your car’s AC isn’t working because of a bad leak on the manifold line and the O-ring leading to the compressor. You’re planning a long road trip, and with summer in full swing, you can’t afford to be without air conditioning. You head to the auto parts store and pick up a can of R-134A refrigerant that also contains oil and leak-sealer. The clerk reassures you that the sealer is minimal and poses no risk—after all, they recommend it to customers and use it themselves.

 But here’s the thing: just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s the best solution. While the idea of a quick fix is appealing, the reality of using an AC leak-sealer can be far more problematic.

Will AC Leak-Sealer Destroy My AC System?

The short answer? It’s possible.

AC leak-sealers are designed to plug small leaks by reacting with moisture and air at the site of the leak, forming a seal. However, this process doesn’t always go as planned. If your AC system has a significant leak, the sealer may not work at all. And even if it does, the fix is often temporary.

Over time, the sealer can start to clog other parts of the AC system, such as the condenser, evaporator, or compressor. This can lead to bigger issues down the line, requiring expensive repairs or even a complete system replacement.

A good rule of thumb: If your AC system can’t hold a vacuum for 45 minutes during testing, no amount of sealer is going to save it. It’s better to repair the leak properly than to risk further damage by using a stop-gap solution.

Will Shops Refuse to Service an AC System with Leak-Sealer?

This is where things get tricky. Many repair shops, including ours, will not service an AC system that has been treated with leak-sealer. Why? Because when the sealer runs through our equipment during the evacuation process, it can contaminate and potentially ruin our expensive machines.

If our AC recovery machine gets clogged with sealer, it can be costly to repair or replace. That’s why many shops, including ours, take a hard pass on working with systems that have been treated with these products.

The Bottom Line: Fix It Right the First Time

When it comes to your car’s air conditioning system, shortcuts can lead to costly consequences. If you’re dealing with a leak, the best course of action is to have it repaired by a certified AC technician. They can properly diagnose the issue, replace faulty components like hoses and O-rings, and recharge the system to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Our recommendation? Skip the stop-leak products altogether. Whether it’s for your AC, power steering, or even tires, temporary fixes like these are rarely worth the risk. Instead, invest in a proper repair that will save you money and headaches in the long run.

What You Can Do

If you’re handy and comfortable with basic car repairs, you might consider doing some of the work yourself. For instance, if the issue is with a hose and O-ring, you could 

replace those parts on your own and then bring the car to a professional for a system vacuum and recharge. This way, you’re ensuring the problem is fixed correctly without introducing harmful sealers into the system.

However, if you’re not confident in your skills, or if the problem is more complex, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. A certified technician has the tools and expertise to handle the job without causing further damage to your vehicle.

Final Thoughts: When It Comes to AC Repairs, Skip the Quick Fixes

AC leak-sealers might seem like a convenient solution to a frustrating problem, but they often do more harm than good. Rather than risking damage to your AC system—and potentially voiding any future service options at your local shop—take the time to have your AC repaired correctly. In the long run, this approach will save you time, money, and stress, ensuring your car stays cool and comfortable during those long summer drives.

If you have any questions or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you keep your car in top shape—without the risks that come with quick fixes.

IS YOUR AIR CONDITIONER READY FOR WARMER DAYS?

Spring is in the air and many of our customers’ thoughts turn to…air conditioning.  We get countless calls asking us how much it costs to fix.  There is no one simple answer to this question but I’ll give you some industry-wide estimates so you have something to go on. Generally, if you drive an older vehicle it will cost more to fix because the parts will be harder to find.

 

Testing the A/C System: A technician must test the system to determine what is wrong with it.  This requires a test for leaks and an inspection of the parts such as the compressor, condenser, hoses, and valves. This usually costs somewhere between $175 and $700.

 

Recharging the A/C System: This is the most common fix of the A/C system.  It needs refrigerant added and it needs to be able to flow through the system properly.  This cost is generally $80 to $275.

 

Leaking Hose:  Finding and fixing a leak in the A/C system can take time and isn’t as easy as it sounds. This costs between $400 and $1,100.

 

Broken Compressor:  This is the most complex of all to fix and costs from $275 to $500.

 

Replacing the Unit:  The cost of this is determined by the make and model you drive.  The cost to repair starts at $1,800 and can go as high as $2,900.

 

Working on air conditioning systems is not easy.  The system itself is built in and around your car’s engine making it difficult.  Specialized equipment is required and a technician that is certified in this area is a must.  In some countries it is illegal for a non-authorized technician to work on A/C systems. A non-experienced technician can inadvertently cause problems and contaminate the environment.

 

These prices are not set in stone but an industry-wide average.  Have a certified technician give you an estimate after they have diagnosed your vehicle.