Melanie Reiff
Updated on Nov 16, 2022
If your car’s -air conditioning system isn’t working](https://getjerry.com/car-repair/services/ac-is-not-working), it can be hard to find out why since so many of its problems can share symptoms. Luckily, a trusted mechanic can help you inspect your car’s air conditioning system to get to the bottom of it.
How much it costs to have your car’s air conditioning system inspected can vary, but it commonly falls somewhere between $100 and $300.
It’s a real bummer when your air conditioning stops working in hot weather. It’s also hard to figure out what the culprit is on your own. That’s why car insurance super app Jerry has put together this rundown on car AC inspections.
The exact cost varies between different Bertone models. For example, newer vehicle models are usually made with more expensive materials, so recent or high-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost for your own vehicle.
| Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1989 | $134.91 | $16.91 | $118 | $139.98 | 1h |
How does a car’s AC system work?
When different parts of your car’s air conditioning system stop working, many of them will exhibit the same symptoms. To get a better sense of what might be wrong with yours, it helps to know generally how the system works.
Your car’s air conditioning system has a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side. The AC system’s compressor controls the pressure, and the compressor clutch turns it on and off.
On the low-pressure side, the system’s refrigerant is in a gas state. When it passes through the condenser to the high-pressure side, the refrigerant becomes a hot liquid.
From there, it passes into the receiver/dryer or accumulator (your car either has one or the other), which filters excess moisture and debris from the refrigerant. Then the coolant continues on through the expansion valve or orifice tube (again, your car has one or the other), where its temperature cools and returns to its gas state on the low-pressure side. The cycle continues.
While this refrigerant continues cycling through the AC system, the evaporator is where the air actually gets cooled, and then the blower motor sends that luxuriously cool air out to you through your car’s cabin vents.
If your AC system isn’t working properly, a mechanic can inspect it for you to get to the root of the problem.
How to inspect a car’s AC system
Here are some of the problems a mechanic will look for when inspecting your AC system:
- Too much or too little refrigerant
- Leaks
- Poor pressure regulation
- Electrical problems in the AC system
- Electrical problems related to the AC controls in the cabin
- Mechanical problems with any AC components
When do I need to have my car’s AC system inspected?
Since your car’s air conditioning system is a sealed system, inspection is only recommended when you’re experiencing a problem with it. Many problems with different components of the AC system can share symptoms, so an inspection from a trusted mechanic can help you narrow down what the problem really is.
Common air conditioning problems include:
- You hear strange sounds, like clicks, while your AC is on
- You notice inconsistent temperatures in your car while driving
- The AC system blows only hot air or kind-of cold, but not chilled air
- You notice a mold or mildew odor when your AC runs
- You notice a leak that could be coming from your AC system
It’s true that a working air conditioning system isn’t necessary for your car to run properly, so getting it serviced isn’t necessarily an urgent issue if you can stand the heat. However, depending on the problem, foregoing service could lead to further damage to other parts, which could cost you more money in the future, so it’s still better to get it checked out sooner than later.
How to find cheap car insurance
In hot weather, having a working AC system feels pretty cool. It also feels pretty cool to save money with the right car insurance, which super app Jerry can help you find!
To get started, all you need to do is answer a few questions, and then you can instantly review quotes from over 50 top car insurance providers, all in one spot. If you find a policy that works for you, Jerry can even help you cancel your old policy.
Fun fact: the average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance payments! If you want to learn how much you could save, there’s only one way to find out.
Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with higher cost of living will usually have more expensive car repair services, especially if there’s less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Bertone drivers pay in different cities.
| City | Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1989 | $135.96 | $16.91 | $119.05 | $141.03 | 1h | |
1989 | $142.74 | $16.91 | $125.83 | $147.81 | 1h | |
1989 | $134.04 | $16.91 | $117.13 | $139.11 | 1h | |
1989 | $122.65 | $16.91 | $105.74 | $127.72 | 1h | |
1989 | $144.89 | $16.91 | $127.98 | $149.96 | 1h | |
1989 | $110.74 | $16.91 | $93.83 | $115.81 | 1h | |
1989 | $139.91 | $16.91 | $123 | $144.98 | 1h | |
1989 | $145.66 | $16.91 | $128.75 | $150.73 | 1h | |
1989 | $16.91 | $16.91 | $0 | $21.98 | 1h | |
1989 | $96.9 | $16.91 | $79.99 | $101.97 | 1h |
Jerry doesn’t just offer fair price repair estimates for Bertone drivers! Our team of writers has collected everything you need to know for every car. Here’s how much the repair costs for some popular cars:
| Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | $134.47 | $16.47 | $118 | $139.41 | 1h |
2001 | $134.47 | $16.47 | $118 | $139.41 | 1h |
1979 | $134.91 | $16.91 | $118 | $139.98 | 1h |
1995 | $141.98 | $23.98 | $118 | $149.17 | 1h |
2005 | $134.47 | $16.47 | $118 | $139.41 | 1h |
2019 | $134.47 | $16.47 | $118 | $139.41 | 1h |
The cost of repairs might vary depending on which Bertone you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download the Jerry app for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for the repairs your Bertone’s needs.
Explore Popular Repair Services
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
4.7/5
