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14 Common Reasons for Poor Gas Mileage
Not sure how to keep gas mileage up as your car gets older? It’s all about the right maintenance. Find out why your MPG is dropping and what to do about it.
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Car AC Repair & Services
Stay cool on the road with expert car A/C inspections, repairs, and recharges from Firestone Complete Auto Care.
STAY COOL WITH OUR A/C SERVICES
Whether your A/C needs a simple recharge or a comprehensive repair, we offer the services you need to stay cool and comfortable. Our trained technicians work with all makes and models to help restore your vehicle’s air conditioning system.
A/C RECHARGE
If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air, a system recharge can restore performance by refilling refrigerant and optimizing pressure levels.
CAR A/C REFRIGERANT
We check refrigerant levels and replace low or contaminated refrigerant using the type specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
A/C REPAIR
From leaks and failing compressors to faulty fans, we diagnose and repair a wide range of A/C system issues quickly and efficiently.
HOW CAR A/C REPAIR & SERVICES WORK
A/C SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Summary: After a comprehensive diagnostic by our experts, this service restores cold air, ensures leak-free operation, and recharges the A/C to manufacturer specifications using appropriate refrigerants. Most A/C services are recover–vacuum–recharge procedures, not “flushes.” Line flushing is only needed after contamination or component failure, but the term “A/C flush” is often searched for the same service.
- What to do if you suspect an AC Issue: Schedule an appointment with your local Firestone today for an AC Performance Check so they can evaluate your concerns and provide next steps.
- Service Time: We’ll confirm the work after diagnosis; leaks or faulty parts must be repaired before recharge and require your approval.
- Service Interval: Annual inspection recommended each spring for peak performance.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive A/C diagnostic.
- Refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and precise recharge.
- Thorough leak testing (specialized equipment, UV dye).
- Inspection of the compressor, clutch, belts, and condenser.
- Cabin air filter check and vent temperature verification.
A/C Warning Signs
- Weak/warm airflow, A/C light flashing, system not turning on.
- Musty odors, unusual rattling/hissing noises.
- Visible dye traces or oily residue.
- Compressor not engaging.
Safety Note: Low refrigerant can cause costly compressor damage. Schedule service promptly if cooling weakens significantly. In electric and hybrid vehicles, the air conditioning system could also be important to the life of the high-voltage battery.
Pro Tip: Regularly replacing cabin air filters per the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial for peak A/C performance, improved air quality, and system longevity.
A/C PERFORMANCE CHECK
When the heat hits, a properly working car A/C system isn’t just a comfort—it’s a must. Over time, A/C components like seals, hoses, and fittings can wear down or loosen, leading to reduced cooling power or system leaks. That’s where Firestone Complete Auto Care comes in. Our A/C performance check, which is often on promotion during summer months, helps keep your system running at its best. A certified technician will:
- Inspect your A/C system for visible signs of wear or damage
- Test system pressure and cooling performance
- Check for refrigerant leaks if appropriate
- Recommend the right service to restore cold air
Whether you're dealing with weak airflow or no cooling at all, we’ll help you get back to driving in comfort—without the sweat.
FIND YOUR NEAREST FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE
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WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT YOUR A/C NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED?
Do any of these signs seem familiar? Schedule an A/C performance check and other maintenance or diagnostic services at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have a professional diagnose and resolve your vehicle's air conditioning problems.
When your vehicle's air conditioning isn't working or is on its way out, you can look for these three signs that something might be wrong with your car’s A/C.
YOUR A/C IS BLOWING HOT AIR
Hot air coming from your A/C likely could mean there’s a major problem. When moisture gets into your A/C, it combines with refrigerant and creates a highly corrosive acid that literally eats away at the parts of your A/C system. This acid can ruin rubber seals that prevent the refrigerant from leaking. If the refrigerant leaks, it can cut back on your A/C’s cooling power.
THERE'S A WEIRD SMELL
A funky smell coming from your A/C may mean it's time for some attention. If your A/C is blasting a weird smell in your face, it could mean mold—and, therefore, water—is present. The culprit might be a damp or dirty cabin air filter, a leaking evaporator, or a blocked drain in your evaporator case.
IT HAS WEAK AIRFLOW
Excess moisture in the evaporator case could cause the building of mold and other debris that block airflow into the interior of your car. A loss of air pressure may also signal that there’s a restriction in the evaporator case or the blower motor is failing.
YOUR A/C IS BLOWING HOT AIR
Hot air coming from your A/C likely could mean there’s a major problem. When moisture gets into your A/C, it combines with refrigerant and creates a highly corrosive acid that literally eats away at the parts of your A/C system. This acid can ruin rubber seals that prevent the refrigerant from leaking. If the refrigerant leaks, it can cut back on your A/C’s cooling power.
THERE'S A WEIRD SMELL
A funky smell coming from your A/C may mean it's time for some attention. If your A/C is blasting a weird smell in your face, it could mean mold—and, therefore, water—is present. The culprit might be a damp or dirty cabin air filter, a leaking evaporator, or a blocked drain in your evaporator case.
IT HAS WEAK AIRFLOW
Excess moisture in the evaporator case could cause the building of mold and other debris that block airflow into the interior of your car. A loss of air pressure may also signal that there’s a restriction in the evaporator case or the blower motor is failing.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SERVICE CAR AIR CONDITIONING?
At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we're familiar with your manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to help keep your vehicle better maintained and on the road longer. While we recommend bringing your vehicle in according to the manufacturer's suggestions, it’s usually recommended that your car’s A/C system is thoroughly inspected at least once a year. If anything seems out of the ordinary with the A/C between routine maintenance appointments, you should get it checked out.
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Maintenance
Cabin Air Filter Replacement: How Often Should You Change It?
Learn how often to replace your cabin air filter, signs it may be clogged, where it’s located, and how Firestone Complete Auto Care can help with replacement.
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Maintenance
Smell of Burning From Your Car? Causes Explained
The smell of burning rubber or oil from cars could mean overheated brakes, leaking oil, or other issues. Learn why your car smells like burning in this guide.
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