On a hot day, an AC in your vehicle isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Don't believe it? Get stuck in traffic in a car whose AC has failed. Fortunately, most issues are progressive, particularly when it comes to a failing AC hose. A failing hose starts off producing small problems and gets worse over time. Use this as an opportunity to spot a problem so that you can quickly resolve it.

Limited Cool Air

When you turn on the AC, a steady flow of cool air should be your experience. If this isn't the case and you are experiencing proper airflow, but the air is not cool, it's likely that your high-pressure hose isn't working as it should.

The high-pressure hose is responsible for transporting refrigerant into the accumulator to cool the air. When there is a problem with the flow of the refrigerant, the air won't cool. This is the case even when every other function within the system is operating correctly.

Fluid Leaks

As a vehicle owner, you should often make it a habit to check under the vehicle whenever you have been parked in the same spot for an extended period, such as overnight. If you notice a puddle of Freon under the vehicle, this should serve as cause for concern.

A fluid leak is an indication that one of the hoses or lines that services your vehicle's AC unit is punctured or has completely failed. Even if you haven't started experiencing any outward issues yet, it's just a matter of time before the leak causes the entire system to fail.

Hose Damage

Over time, it's not uncommon for any of your AC hoses to start to show signs of wear. Although these hoses are made from heavy-duty rubber, heat from the engine and transmission, extreme temperatures, age, and simply rubbing up against the engine compartment can cause the hoses to fray, tear, and show other signs of wear.

Provided you are able to recognize any hose damage quickly, you may not experience any problems with the function of your AC unit. However, when left unaddressed, you may run into issues like the previously mentioned leak. When checking under your hood, always look over your AC hoses to ensure everything is in good condition.

Although the hoses that support your AC unit are often overlooked, don't limit their importance. Keep your eyes open for a problem with the hoses to avoid a major issue. Click for more info.