Car Q & A #4 With The Auto Specialist
Most of us realize that our car’s parts and systems malfunction over time. Even so, we’re usually surprised when they do and unprepared for the inconvenience. As I’ve mentioned in previous segments, our goal here is to build your knowledge about the car parts that make it possible for you to drive. In today’s installment, we’re going to explore problems with a vehicle’s air conditioning unit, when to purchase a new car, and a strange noise coming from one reader’s tires. Let’s jump in.
Question: I have an older model truck and had the air conditioner recharged last month at a dealership in my town. It was fine for awhile. The air was as cold as I’d ever felt it. But, a couple of days ago, my A/C stopped blowing cool air. Instead, it feels mildly warm (not hot). Did the Freon already get used up? I don’t want to have to take my truck to the repair garage to have the A/C recharged over and over.
Answer: Your truck’s air conditioning unit did not use up the Freon. I’d be willing to bet that the Freon leaked out from somewhere. Some cars and trucks have long hoses and a leak could have developed anywhere along them. The good news is that it’s a reasonably simple job to identify where the Freon is being leaked from.
My suggestion is that you take your truck to your local repair garage. Ask them to empty the A/C and recharge the Freon again. Tell them there may be a leak. If they know about it, they can use special equipment to find it. If there isn’t a leak, it may be a problem in your A/C’s condenser, compressor, or the evaporator. But, check for the leak first.
Question: I’ve been waiting to buy purchase a new vehicle. With the economy in shambles, I figured that the automakers are getting antsy to move their inventory. Is there a “best” time of year (or month) to visit the dealership? In other words, when are the salespeople most likely to offer me the best deal?
Answer: Under normal circumstances, there are two “best” times to visit the dealership. The first is right before new models are scheduled to hit the showroom. As new models are released, auto dealers are more motivated to move the previous year’s inventory off their lots (and their books).
The second “best” time is toward the end of the month. Remember, the salespeople are compensated largely by commission. They also have monthly quotas that they need to meet in order to keep their jobs. If you visit the car dealership on the 15th of the month, you’re unlikely to get a great deal. By contrast, making an offer on the 30th may yield fruit.
We’ve run out of time in this installment. In our next Q & A session, we’ll come back to the noise that one reader is hearing in his car tires. We’ll also take a look at another reader’s problem with her vehicle’s power locks. Until next time, drive safe.
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