Auto A/C & Heating Services

Auto A/C & Heating Services

If the breeze from those open windows just isn't cutting it, come by our shop in Redding, CA 96002 to get an expert opinion on what we can do to fix your auto A/C or heating problems. We offer affordable prices and guaranteed workmanship. Contact us at 530-223-6640, so we can help you drive in comfort.

Why maintaining your AC System is very important:

Heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced, causing reduced efficiency heating and cooling capabilities. Regular maintenance will keep your AC system operating at peak performance!

Indications your A/C system may be having issues:

• If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air
• Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold
• Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside
• The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate
• Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary
• Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air
• Low airflow even at the highest fan setting.

A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes:

• Examining the internal controls and blower
• Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat
• Inspecting the compressor belt
• Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages.
• A cooling system pressure test
• Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
• Measuring the interior vent air temperature

Our repair and maintenance services include:

Hoses
Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine entire cooling system. Overtime hoses will dry out and crack, needing a replacement. You can trust our team to replace any needed hoses with quality parts and get it done right the first time.

Belts
A fan belt, also referred to as the drive belt, connects your vehicle's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and the engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Over time, your vehicle's fan belt will dry out and crack. When it's time, you can rely on us to do the job right and get you back on the road.

Radiators
Radiators are heat exchangers for cooling your vehicle's internal combustion engine. A radiator cools the engine by circulating the coolant through the engine block and then loses the heat to the atmosphere through radiation. All radiators have a set of tubes that allow the coolant to flow through the fins surrounding the tubes and into the engine. When a radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could cause damage to the surrounding components, leading to more serious repairs. To help prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly.

Common Automotive A/C Services

• recharge the a/c freon
• repair the a/c condenser
• repair the a/c evaporator
• replace the a/c thermal expansion valve or orifice tube
• replacing the hoses, radiator cap, and operating temperature
• inspecting the internal controls and blower
• inspecting the thermostat
• inspecting the compressor
• doing a cooling system pressure test to verify it meets manufacturer specifications
• testing the interior vent air temperature
• coolant system flush
• radiator flush

Prepare your vehicle for the harsh weather
Just like winter, it's also important to prepare your vehicle for the warmer months and what they bring - heat, dust, traffic jams, etc. - which increase the likelihood of a breakdown. Here at Major Muffler & Auto Repair, our technicians can perform the necessary preventive maintenance to get your car ready for both seasons.

Summerize Your Vehicle

• check the battery
• change the fluids
• examine the belts and hoses
• check climate and coolant systems
• check wiper blades
• check tires
• check bulbs

Winterize Your Vehicle

• check the battery
• check the fluids
• examine the belts and hoses
• check climate and coolant systems
• check wiper blades
• check tires
• check bulbs
• check for exhaust leaks

Coolant Questions and Answers

Q: Why is my coolant light on and what should I do?

A: If the dashboard light is red, indicating your car is overheating then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive.

Q: When should I do a coolant flush?

A: Your vehicle's owner's manual will recommend getting the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Make sure to consult your owner's manual as some outline a more specific interval depending on the vehicle's make and model and your driving habits.

Q: When is the coolant temperature too high?

The engine coolant is overheating if it's around 240 to 250 degrees. When the coolant gets this hot a light on your dashboard will come on to alert you. Pull over and turn your car off. The coolant is very hot and under extreme pressure. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap until the car has cooled.

Q: Why is my coolant leaking?

A: Corrosion within the radiator is the leading cause of a coolant leak. As the radiator tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris collects inside and causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, and lead to a leak.

Q: How do I know what coolant I should use?

A: Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. Follow the recommendations in your car's owner's manual to the letter unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer or auto repair professionals. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need on the manufacturer's website.

Radiator Questions and Answers

Q: When should the radiator in my car be replaced?

Often, radiators will last for the entire life of a car. On average a radiator lasts 8 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that can reduce a radiator's working life such as improper maintenance, driving habits and environmental conditions.

Q: What does radiator service include?

A: Radiator service starts with draining the system. Then we flush the radiator and engine block, inspecting all hoses to make sure they're not cracked. Next we refill the radiator with fresh coolant and finish by pressure testing the radiator cap and cooling system.

Q: When replacing a radiator what else should be replaced?

If you replace your radiator you may need to replace three other parts as well - the thermostat, water pump and heater core. An auto repair professional at Major Muffler & Auto Repair will let you know what other parts need to be replaced.

Q: Why is my car engine overheating?

A: The most common reason a car overheats is a lack of coolant or a coolant leak. However, if you have an older vehicle, it may also indicate that it is time to replace your radiator, thermostat, water pump or heater core. If it continues to be a problem that you can't fix, your best bet is to bring it to our shop in Redding.

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