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Summer heat in Pequannock Township can be brutal, especially when you're stuck in traffic on Route 23 or waiting at the light on Newark Pompton Turnpike. The last thing you want is a broken air conditioning system turning your daily commute into a sweat-soaked nightmare. If your car's AC is blowing warm air instead of the cool relief you need, don't panic. Several common issues could be the culprit, and many have straightforward solutions. Here's what might be wrong and what you can do about it. Low Refrigerant Levels The most common reason your AC isn't working properly is low refrigerant. Your car's air conditioning system relies on refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your vehicle and release it outside. Over time, small leaks can develop in the system, causing refrigerant levels to drop. Signs of low refrigerant: Air that starts cold but gets warmer over time AC that works sometimes but not others Ice forming on the AC components under your hood What to do: Have a professional check your refrigerant levels and look for leaks. Adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak is just a temporary fix that will cost you more money down the road. Clogged or Dirty Air Filter Your cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and debris from entering your car's ventilation system. When this filter gets clogged—which happens faster during New Jersey's pollen-heavy spring months—it restricts airflow and makes your AC work harder. Signs of a dirty filter: Weak airflow from your vents Musty or stale odors when you turn on the AC AC that seems to struggle to cool the car What to do: Check your cabin air filter (usually located behind the glove box or under the dashboard) and replace it if it looks dirty or hasn't been changed in over a year. Faulty Compressor The compressor is essentially the heart of your AC system. It pressurizes the refrigerant and keeps it moving through the system. If your compressor fails, your AC won't blow cold air at all. Signs of compressor problems: No cold air whatsoever Strange noises when you turn on the AC The compressor clutch not engaging when AC is on What to do: Compressor issues require professional diagnosis and repair. Don't delay getting this checked, as a failing compressor can damage other parts of your AC system. Electrical Issues Modern cars have complex electrical systems that control everything from your AC's temperature settings to when the cooling fans kick in. A blown fuse, faulty relay, or damaged wiring can knock out your entire cooling system. Signs of electrical problems: AC controls that don't respond Cooling fans that never turn on AC that works intermittently What to do: Electrical problems are tricky to diagnose without proper equipment. A qualified technician can use computer diagnostics to pinpoint the exact issue. Blocked Condenser Your AC condenser sits at the front of your car, usually right behind the grille. Its job is to release heat from the refrigerant. But road debris, leaves, and dirt can block airflow through the condenser, reducing its effectiveness. Signs of a blocked condenser: AC works fine at highway speeds but struggles in stop-and-go traffic Temperature fluctuates based on how fast you're driving Overheating issues in hot weather What to do: Visually inspect your condenser for obvious blockages like leaves or debris. You can carefully rinse it with a garden hose, but be gentle—the fins are delicate and easy to damage. When to Call a Professional While you can check your cabin air filter and look for obvious blockages, most AC problems require professional diagnosis. Modern automotive AC systems are complex and contain components under high pressure. Attempting repairs without proper tools and knowledge can be dangerous and expensive. Here in Pequannock Township, where summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s, a working AC isn't just about comfort—it's about safety. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can happen quickly in a hot car, especially for elderly passengers or young children. Don't Suffer Through Another Hot Summer If your car's AC isn't keeping you cool, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Small issues like low refrigerant can turn into expensive compressor replacements if ignored. Plus, with New Jersey's unpredictable weather, you never know when the next heat wave will hit. Ready to get your AC fixed? Contact Bock Automotive today at (973) 320-7520 or stop by our shop at 1 Irving St in Pequannock Township. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to quickly identify AC problems and get you back on the road in comfort. We're open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we work on all makes and models. Don't let a broken AC ruin your summer driving—let us help you beat the heat!