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GIC Car Clinic is your most complete car air conditioning service and repair specialist.  We provide air conditioning repair for all makes and model as well as domestic and import models.  We do everything from basic A/C recharges and A/C diagnostics to complete system replacements and repair.

Providing quality services for various general repairs is what GIC Car Clinic is known for. Our professional team is here to assist you. Call us for more info in regards to our general repairs.

Retrofitting from R-12 to R134a A/C systems for older makes and models is now available.  Call us for details and pricing.

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GIC Car Clinic is a full service shop with ASE-certified mechanics providing auto repair services for all makes and models.  Contact us in San Jose, California to schedule your vehicle repairs.

 

(408) 279-5510

375 Bird Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 6:00pm

  

 

Air Conditioning Facts:

 

Air conditioning, which was once considered a luxury, but it's now a common feature on most vehicles today.

While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your air conditioning system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should watch out for.

 

1. Odd smells coming from the A/C may be caused by bacterial build-ups in the air conditioning systems.

As your vehicle becomes older, or when the A/C system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the A/C evaporator causing some unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to as "sick car syndrome."

 

2. If your car does NOT feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system.

If you feel that your car doesn't feel as cold as your friend's car, then your system may need servicing.  The A/C system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time.  On average most vehicles lose up to 15% per year.  This leakage can be caused when the system is not used during the winter months.  Thus allowing the small o-ring seals to dry out resulting in a gradual deterioration in system performance.  If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be resolved by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.

 

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the automobile AC system.

If you run the air conditioning in the winter, it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight.  This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the A/C compressor.  It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking which can lead to leaks.

 

4. Strange noises coming from the A/C should be attended to as soon as possible.

If your air conditioning system suddenly starts making noises that you have not heard before, it is advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist, such as GIC Car Clinic, to have a look at it.  Some noises could be early symptoms of an A/C compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).  The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system.  If the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles, known as "Black Death".  A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve - quite a hefty bill.

 

5. Don't worry too much about a pool of water forming under your car after using the air conditioner.

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area, don't be alarmed.  This is a normal feature of the system resulting from condensation of the air conditioning evaporator.  The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the car.

 

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily.

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator.  If this occurs, water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems.  These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

 

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems.

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a regular basis, the same is true for the A/C system.  The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up.  The receiver dryer collects debris and moisture.  If the filter becomes blocked, the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

An annual servicing of your vehicle's A/C system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system.  Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.