Your vehicle's air conditioner is responsible for keeping the inside of your vehicle cool and comfortable on hot days. If the AC begins to malfunction, you and your passengers will likely be miserable as the intense sunlight and heat bake your vehicle's interior. Making yourself aware of these five signs of a failing air conditioner will enable you to schedule auto AC repair service sooner so that you can beat the heat.

1. A Lack of Cold Air

The fact that your AC isn't blowing out cold air anymore is the most obvious sign of an AC problem, but the output of cold air from your system may be losing power gradually and the problem might not be so obvious in the beginning. The air could start to feel warmer, or the outflow of air could be weaker. Whether you notice a change in the temperature or the output of the airflow, auto AC professionals can do the necessary work to bring your AC unit back up to standard.

2. An Unpleasant Smell

Stinky passengers, smelly pets, and old food scraps aren't the only things that can create unpleasant odors inside your vehicle. If you notice that the interior doesn't smell right, your AC may be to blame. The evaporator cases of air conditioners sometimes host mold growth, and the mold spores that are emitted from your AC can create an unappealing smell and may also cause sinus and breathing problems if you or your passengers have an allergic reaction.  

3. Moisture Inside Your Vehicle

When you shut off your engine and air conditioner after parking your vehicle, you'll likely notice a pool of water underneath your vehicle as the condensation from the AC drains. This is normal and shouldn't cause you concern, but your air conditioner probably has a blocked drain if you notice any water inside your vehicle after running your AC. You'll likely notice the water underneath your dashboard and possibly underneath the floor mats if this is the problem. 

4. Weird Sounds

You should also schedule auto AC repair work if you hear unusual sounds coming from your vehicle's air conditioner. Rattling or knocking sounds often indicate a loose part inside the AC or a worn clutch inside your air conditioner's compressor. Grinding or squealing sounds usually mean that the AC's pulley bearing for the compressor needs a replacement.  

5. Ice Formation

When a problem with the air conditioner occurs, ice may form on the compressor and cause your AC to stop working the way that it should. This ice could be forming because of the excess moisture that your AC might be producing. Ice formation inside a vehicle's air conditioner is often difficult to detect. Trained auto AC repair professionals can inspect your unit to see if any part of the compressor is frozen and isn't working properly.

Resolving AC problems quickly will allow your vehicle's air conditioner to function at its fullest capacity without giving you any more trouble. Getting your unit serviced as soon as possible by auto AC repair professionals can give you the cooling power that you need inside your vehicle and save you from having to sweat it out on the hottest days.