- Mon 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat Closed
- Wed 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sun Closed
- Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Air Conditioning Repair For Cars and Trucks
Restoring Comfort with Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg
If your car's air conditioning system isn't keeping you cool in the scorching weather, there's no need to endure discomfort. Come over to Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg, where we'll swiftly restore your AC's performance. Reach out to us now at 717-564-5110 or drop by our shop at 3715 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA.
Five Indicators Your Car's AC Needs Attention
- Your car's AC blows air only slightly cooler than the outside temperature.
- Unpleasant mildew and mold odors emanate from your AC vents.
- The AC functions only while the vehicle is in motion.
- Even at the highest fan setting, there's weak airflow.
- Water condenses or drips onto your foot while driving.
Don't delay! If your car's AC isn't operating at peak efficiency, a visit to Dale's Automotive is a wise move. Routine maintenance now can help you avoid more costly auto AC repairs later. Sometimes, resolving a malfunctioning air conditioner is as simple and cost-effective as replenishing the coolant.
Ensuring Optimal Performance for Your Vehicle's Cooling System
Most car and truck air conditioning systems eventually require attention due to wear and tear. Hoses supplying the AC unit can crack, clog, or develop leaks if neglected. Let us service your car or truck to keep your cooling system operating at its best. Dial 717-564-5110 to learn more about how we can restore your air conditioning.
Common Automotive AC Repair Services
Recharging Your Car's AC
When your car's air conditioning (AC) loses cooling power or fails to deliver cool air, a freon recharge may be in order. Recharging your freon is often a fast and cost-effective repair that can help you beat the summer heat. However, a freon leak could be due to a cracked hose or seal, indicating a more substantial repair may be necessary.
Repair Your Car's AC Compressor
The cool air in your car primarily comes from the compressor. Your vehicle's compressor performs four essential functions: pressurizing the refrigerant to cool cabin air, regulating temperature output, sensing temperature changes inside and outside the vehicle, and directing air to your car's AC condenser.
Repair Your Car's AC Condenser
Typically located in front of the radiator, your vehicle's A/C condenser plays a crucial role. When your AC compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, it flows to the condenser, reducing temperature and pressure. The condenser is vital for maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature by transferring cooled liquid refrigerant to the receiver/dryer or accumulator.
Repair Your Car's AC Evaporator
The evaporator, a crucial component tucked just behind the dashboard, plays a vital role in your car's air conditioning system. By efficiently cooling and dehumidifying the air before it circulates throughout the vehicle's cabin, the evaporator ensures a comfortable and refreshing interior climate, especially during warmer seasons.
Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
The Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube monitors A/C system pressure and temperature, determining the precise refrigerant amount that can safely enter the evaporator. Imbalanced pressure can lead to unwanted moisture buildup in your car or truck's AC system.
Freon Recharging FAQs
How often should Freon be changed?
Never, at least not in the way you think of your oil being changed. Your car's AC system is a sealed unit. No new Freon needs to be added unless there's a refrigerant leak. Over time as your vehicle ages small cracks may form in your AC system parts such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, receiver-dryer, expansion tube and connecting hoses allowing Freon to escape. If this occurs, you need to replace the failing part and have your Freon recharged.How long should a Freon recharge last?
If your car's AC system was recently repaired and required a Freon recharge it should not need to be replaced again. Your AC system is a closed or sealed system that does not allow Freon to escape. Freon is not like gasoline; it does not get depleted. If Freon is escaping after your car's AC system has been repaired, then additional work may need to be done to find the leak.How many cans of Freon does a car take?
Don't guesstimate your car's refrigerant needs! Most use 28-32 ounces (2-3 12oz cans), but larger vehicles and rear A/C can be different. Check your manual for the exact amount to avoid overfilling.Can I leave my car running when adding Freon?
It is advised to have your engine running while recharging your car's A/C system. This is essential as the A/C compressor, powered by the engine, must be active to facilitate proper refrigerant circulation and ensure an effective recharge.Why is my car blowing hot air after adding Freon?
A refrigerant leak can lead to a loss of pressure in the AC system, resulting in a failure to produce cold air. This is frequently the primary reason a recharge may prove ineffective. It is crucial to inspect the system for leaks and address any issues before proceeding with a recharge.Schedule your auto AC repair appointment with Dale's Automotive today! Our expert technicians are equipped to swiftly diagnose and resolve all your air conditioning issues.
To learn more about our AC repair services, call us at 717-564-5110 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Discover More About AC Repair Services At Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg
Car & Truck Care Services
Engine Heating & Cooling Services
Brake Repair
What People Say About Us
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Jonny G, 08/10/2021
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dale's Automotive! First, they understand that each vehicle has a person and their lifestyle attached to it! That's so much more important than just being able to do repairs and maintenance! Two Cadillacs, three Lexus, one Toyota, three Chevrolets, one Honda's my personal list of vehicles that my family and I have entrusted to the hands of Dale's mechanics to keep our valuable transportation safe and sound and on the road as both my family and our cars and trucks age! They know what they are doing period! Here's the best part. They absolutely will not overcharge you! As a matter of fact, time after time they have saved me money compared to a traditional dealerships overwhelming hourly rates and even steeper price mark up on parts. These guys are great. And I don't recall any service that they could not provide! Inspection, oil and filter, tires, brakes, engine analysis, emissions, air conditioning, electrical issues are all within their grasps! Thank you Dale and Family (that's how they function), for all that you've done for us down through the years! -
Julie P.I highly recommend Dales Automotive. It's a family run repair shop, and I've been going to them for nearly 10 years now. My parents have been getting their cars repaired here for longer than that. You see, I don't trust mechanics...but I definitely trust Dale. I drive an older car, which means I need a trustworthy mechanic who won't charge me for more than I need, and he doesn't. I dropped my car off about 2 weeks ago because I noticed my breaks felt squishy and I wasn't stopping quickly enough. (I usually drop my car off the night before and pick it up before they close.) At first glance, they couldn't really find anything wrong, so they called me to find out exactly what it was doing. I explained to them how it was acting and they put it up in the air to recheck it. They found out the problem and fixed it and my breaks are good as new! They always take good care of my vehicle, and will let me know (in english) when something looks like it's going to need to be repaired in the future. I've never been charged for something I didn't need...unlike other places. Sure, it can be expensive...but I don't feel like they're using me. Some things are just more costly to repair, especially when my car has over 200,000 miles on it! But thankfully they accept the autopride card. That thing is a lifesaver. It allows me to make payments over the period of several months...interest free.
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Kristie F.I will never go anywhere else with my car again. I came here after taking my car to Monroe Muffler Break to have my oil changed. Monroe cracked my oil pan while changing my oil, all of the oil leaked out, and not knowing any of this I drove. When my oil light went on I panicked and drove back there where I was treated awfully and told it was my fault. They told me that I needed to buy a new oil pan which is very expensive. As a full-time student with no income I had no idea what to do or what kind of damage that I had done to my car driving on it with no oil. Panicked, upset, and not knowing anything about cars I had my car taken here to Dales. I was treated wonderfully and my car was taken excellent care of. They were able to fix my oil pan and assure me that my car was ok. Every single time that I need something done on my car, they do their best to squeeze me in. These men do excellent work and really care about what they are doing. If there is anyway for me to get my car to Dales, I will continue to return time and again.
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Diane S.This shop has consistently provided excellent service at great prices. They've always been very friendly and accommodating. They do only the work requested, without digging for other issues that may or may not actually exist. Wonderful local business!
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Mark A.Knowledge, integrity, and determination to do the job right. That's what you will find at Dale's Automotive. And reasonable prices, too. I know that sounds a bit like a commercial, but it's all true. Sadly, it is NOT true of the vast majority of big company service places that loudly advertise their typically terrible service (I'm looking at YOU Tires Plus!).
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John F.Thanks for getting the inspection done! And I really appreciate you telling me which stuff didn't need to be replaced right away, saving me hundreds in the process! And Dale, thanks for letting me drive my car home with you in tow to drive it back to the shop so I didn't need to call a cab from your shop, that was priceless!
Call us for service: 717-564-5110
