Ewing Automotive has all the knowledge and equipment to keep your cars air conditioning and heating system in great working order. If your car’s air-conditioning system blows only warm air on hot days, it’s probably because it is low on refrigerant, and the most likely cause is a leak somewhere in the system. Though many vehicle owners think they need to recharge or “top off” their air-conditioning system with refrigerant annually, that’s not the case. If the air conditioning stops working (but the fan continues to blow warm air), a leak in a hose, compressor or other component of the system is probably the culprit. During the winter, you may notice that the defroster isn’t clearing fogged up windows, and that also is a sign you have a leak. Most defrosters engage the air conditioning to dehumidify the air. If there is a leak, the air-conditioning system on most modern vehicles is designed to shut down once the refrigerant level drops low enough in order to prevent damage to the air-conditioning compressor. The refrigerant in your cars air conditioner is what circulates the oil to lubricate the compressor. The EPA provides helpful information for consumers about whether they should have their air conditioner topped off with refrigerant or evacuated and recharged. The EPA notes that a repair shop (or a do-it-yourselfer) can’t tell precisely how much refrigerant is in the system without the proper equipment. The use of a recover, recycle, recharge and evacuate unit is required to make sure the system is full but not over charged. By performing a complete evacuation and recharge the repair shop will be able to test the complete system and recharge it with the precise amount of refrigerant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. When is it time to add or replace the refrigerant? You could be proactive and have it done before you experience problems, but you shouldn’t need that more often than every few years at the most. If your air conditioning is losing its potency, even after topping it off, then you probably have a leak. If you stay cool on the hottest days, you could just leave well enough alone. If the heat in your car isn’t blowing hot like it should, the repair may be as simple as flushing the cooling system or replacing your thermostat.