FAQ’s

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Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Repairs and Servicing

Does my vehicle need winterizing in Arizona?

As a crucial part of regular maintenance, it is imperative that an evaluation be given to a vehicle during the course of the mild winter months experienced in the valley.
The following are details of a few systems requiring special attention.
Rubber components
Hoses, belts, window moldings, windshield wipers etc. can accelerate wear at lower temperatures.
Tires
To promote the life span of tires the pressure should be adjusted to accommodate differences in ambient and road temperatures.
Antifreeze/coolant systems
Though, at lower elevations we don’t experience extreme freezing, the properties of liquid change at lower temperatures is important to always maintain proper condition of coolant systems to prevent failure of expensive components.
Air Conditioning
Usually not thought of during winter months. Big mistake. One of the leading causes of failure to compressors is the ‘sleep time’ during winter months of non use. Cycle the compressor by engaging defrost, on warm of course, to circulate vital oils through out AC System.
Brake Systems
Hydraulic fluid properties change with slight differences of temperature and must be properly maintained. Brake fluid does not have to be dark in color to indicate replacement. A simple, though accurate test of fluid can be performed to prevent premature failure of your vehicle’s hydraulic system.
Heater System
On those cold desert mornings, it’s reassuring to know that your heater is there when you need it. Your vehicles heater is a miniature radiator and contains coolant flow from the coolant system. If coolant is grainy and substandard, it could take three times longer to heat your vehicle cab. Coolant system testing can pinpoint any possible problems to your heater system that may arise.

Do I get a warranty?

Desert Car Care is a leader in the industry when it comes to automotive repair warranties. A 25,000 mile or 25 month warranty is given on both parts and labor.
OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU: If any of our parts exhibit a failure during the warranty period, it is replaced, absolutely free of charge. It is that simple.


Can I Recharge the Freon in My Auto A/C?

It’s possible to recharge an auto ac system with freon as a do-it-yourself project if you can obtain the correct refrigerant for your vehicle, take the required precautions and follow the appropriate steps.

Obtaining refrigerant may be difficult because the sale of automotive refrigerants R12 and R134 to “noncertified” people has been prohibited since 1992. Certification requires that technicians pass an EPA approved written exam.

A major safety precaution is the proper identification of the low and high side service fittings. If a can of refrigerant is attached to the high side fitting, the back pressure may cause the can to explode. If you aren’t clear as to which fitting is the high side, you shouldn’t attempt to recharge a system yourself.

If you have the correct refrigerant and equipment, and insist on trying to save money by doing it yourself, remember to wear eye protection and avoid direct contact between your skin and the refrigerant. 

The basic steps for recharging an a/c system are:

1. Properly identify the low side fitting.

2. Following the manufacturer’s directions, attach a refrigerant can to a gauge set. Open the valve momentarily to bleed out any trapped air. Then connect the gauge set to the low side service fitting with the can in an upright position.

3. Start the car and place the a/c on high. The compressor should engage and suck the refrigerant from the can and into the vehicle’s a/c system. Additional cans may be necessary. The most common do-it-yourself mistake is overcharging. An overcharged system, like an undercharged one, has a reduced cooling efficiency.

4. When the system is fully charged, disconnect the gauge set.

To work properly, the system needs the right amount of the correct refrigerant. With the difficulty in obtaining refrigerant and the hazards involved, it is best to leave the recharging of an auto ac system to the professionals.

Read more on auto ac systems on our dedicated page or make an appointment to have your auto ac checked. Shcedule an appointment on our appointments page or call us for advice or to make an appointment.

You can call our Gilbert auto repair shop on 480-359-5331 -or- our Chandler auto repair shop on 480-4201-3555