Dependable, Professional Technicians Offer Complete Auto AC Repairs in San Marcos
Reliable Automotive in San Marcos is committed to being your auto air conditioning specialists! Whether you need a recharge on your coolant or an entirely new AC system, come to Reliable for the highest-quality car air conditioning services at the best prices in the area.
We are committed to providing exceptional, top-tier auto air conditioning repairs. There are many kits sold for DIY car AC repairs, but there is more to it than buying a kit. We provide the expertise of our professional mechanics, using the latest technology, with the best tools available. Reliable uses original or high-quality aftermarket parts, and our work follows strict environmental industry standards. We are committed to doing the job right the first time!
Book An Appointment at Reliable in San Marcos!
Air Conditioning Services at Reliable
Your car air conditioning system keeps you cool in the hot San Marcos summers, when temperatures can soar into the mid-90s. The AC system is a complicated interplay of components that can become taxed over time. The last thing you need is to be stranded in the heat simply because you haven’t had time to get your vehicle serviced.
Regular preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your AC system working efficiently. Contact the professionals at Reliable Automotive in San Marcos if it’s time for an AC preventative check! A regular check of the system includes:
- A complete check of the system compressor
- A thorough cleaning of the AC condenser
- Professional air conditioning diagnostics and performance tests
- Thorough refrigerant leak tests
- A check of all belts and hoses, including the serpentine belt
- An evaluation of coolant level
- Either recharging the coolant or filling the coolant to the proper level
Keep it local, keep it Reliable! Visit the experts at Reliable Automotive in San Marcos, Texas, for all your auto repair needs!
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Preventative Maintenance Protects Your Auto AC System
Don’t let driver neglect sabotage your car or truck. Putting off or avoiding regular service appointments often leads to expensive, unexpected repairs, including the ones for your auto AC system. Coordinating all your preventative maintenance appointments will save you time and money. Ask the service staff at our San Marcos auto repair shop to develop a regular schedule for you so that your car and all its systems are working efficiently every day.
When you bring your car in for a regular AC check, our technicians will inspect the major components of the system: the compressor, condenser, receiver, and evaporator. The coolant level in the system will be checked and recharged (refilled) if necessary. Our mechanics will also visually inspect other systems in the vehicle that interact with the AC system. This is simply a way to prevent small problems from becoming big, expensive problems later.
After the inspection, we will answer all your questions and provide an honest estimate of any work needed. We will schedule a follow-up for you as soon as possible. Our goal is simple: Reliable wants to be the auto AC repair shop in San Marcos that you trust, every time.
How The AC System in Your Car Works
An auto AC system is a complicated piece of equipment, so it can be helpful to know the basics of how it works. Your knowledge of these basics along with the expertise of our ASE-certified professionals will keep your vehicle cool and comfortable for you and your passengers.
The first step is to acquaint yourself with the section on the air conditioning system in your owner’s manual. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendation for your make and model’s AC preventative maintenance schedule. Our service staff will be glad to discuss any questions you have. Set up an appointment at Reliable Automotive in San Marcos today!
Here are the major components of a car’s AC system:
- Compressor: places the refrigerant in your car under very high pressure so it can be pumped to the condenser.
- Condenser: helps to turn the refrigerant into a liquid state, which dissipates heat. The liquid refrigerant travels next to the evaporator.
- Evaporator: changes the refrigerant back to a gaseous state, causing a cooling effect.
The entire system has to be sealed because the process happens under pressure. If there are any leaks, cooling will stop, and the compressor can become damaged. The leak must be fixed before this happens. Adding more coolant to the system won’t solve the problem. If the compressor does become damaged, it can’t be repaired; it has to be replaced, and it is an expensive part. This supports the need for regular preventative servicing of your air conditioning system.
The Reliable Automotive Advantage
Reliable Automotive is the best auto shop for all your auto repair and replacement needs. We are:
- Committed to Complete Customer Satisfaction
- Able to Provide Our Mechanics with Cutting-Edge Automotive Technology
- A Locally Owned and Operated Family Business
- A BBB Member with an A+ Rating
- A Jasper Distributor
- A Chamber of Commerce Member
- An Authorized AC Delco Battery and Valvoline Retailer
Use the convenient online appointment form or call us to schedule a visit to the best!
Auto AC Repair FAQ
When your car’s AC system isn’t working as intended, it won’t be long before you notice this situation. These systems are designed to send cool air into your car’s cabin, so feeling warm air when you turn your AC on is an obvious red flag.
Sometimes, hot air can start coming from your AC after you lose refrigerant. Since refrigerant plays a crucial role in AC systems, any loss of refrigerant will inhibit their ability to provide cool air.
While low refrigerant levels are often caused by a leak in your auto AC system, you could also be dealing with a worn compressor or electrical problems. No matter what’s behind your car’s AC difficulties, one thing’s for sure — you’ll need professional auto AC repair in San Marcos, TX, to set things right.
Refrigerant sometimes exists in a gaseous state — and in this state, this material can escape from your AC system through extremely small gaps. When your AC system starts to lose refrigerant, it will have trouble keeping you and your passengers cool.
Thus, if your vehicle’s AC system has started blowing hot air, there’s a good chance that your car has developed a refrigerant leak. Other symptoms that could point to this issue include:
- Strange smells
- Unusual noises
- Reduced airflow
- Moisture and oil residue around system components
- Ice on your evaporator
If you notice any of these problems, your AC system could easily be suffering from a refrigerant leak. To resolve this issue, schedule an appointment for car AC repair.
On average, drivers should get their AC system recharged once every two years. However, this is simply a recommendation — and depending on a few different factors, your own auto AC repair needs may vary.
One of the biggest factors you’ll need to consider while creating an AC service schedule is the local climate. While San Marcos can get extremely hot during the summer months, the local climate typically stays on the warmer side all year long. As a result, people in this region tend to use their car’s AC more often than drivers in other parts of the country.
Naturally, this increased AC usage translates to extra demand on this system. Because of that, it may be in your best interest to get your car’s AC recharged at our San Marcos auto repair shops more often than the previously mentioned timeline implies.
This will depend on the level of service your car’s AC needs. If you only need to have your coolant recharged, qualified mechanics should be able to finish this job in 30 minutes or so.
On the other hand, a full-fledged auto AC repair in San Marcos can take considerably longer than a coolant recharge — these appointments could go on for approximately three or four hours. You may need to wait even longer than that if your vehicle’s AC system has been severely damaged or if it needs to have one or more components replaced.
