Learning more about your air conditioner will make it much easier for you to properly care for and maintain the device. Let’s take a look at a couple of important air conditioning facts that every Melbourne vehicle owner should know.

Your Car AC Unit Enhances Road Safety

A properly functioning air conditioning unit isn’t a luxury, it is an absolute necessity if you live in the hot and sunny Melbourne City. A long drive without an air conditioning unit can make you feel sluggish, tired, and agitated. You might start speeding to speed up the journey, you may start experiencing extreme frustration and road rage or you could fall asleep at the wheel. A properly functioning AC unit, on the other hand, will help keep you cool, calm, and alert. 

On the whole, your risk of getting into an accident or argument is much lower when you feel comfortable and refreshed.

Your AC Unit Enhances Personal Health

Climate-controlled environments can contribute to better health during summer and winter time. In winter, the warm cabin temperature will keep you from catching a chill. During summer, the cooler temperature can prevent heat stroke and dehydration. These handy systems can also avoid allergy breakouts because your windows will stay up while you drive which blocks out pollen and allergens. Air conditioners are also equipped with filters that catch air pollutants and pollen that can make you feel ill.

The AC Refrigerant Levels Should Be Topped Up and Checked Regularly

AC units won’t properly cool down the cabin if the refrigerant gas levels are low. You should take your car to an expert to get the refrigerant gas levels topped up. If the gas runs out before the two-year mark then you likely leak somewhere in the system. This leak should be identified and repaired or the gas will continue leaking out and your system will only start circulating hot air.

AC Systems Need to Be Cleaned and Maintained

When you take your car for a service, the air conditioner unit, condenser, and filters should be inspected, cleaned, and replaced when due. There are, however, many auto servicing companies that don’t include this type of maintenance task when they service vehicles. If your current auto mechanic doesn’t do air conditioning checks then you should switch over to a company that does offer these services. Your air conditioning unit will function much better if it is regularly maintained.

Classic Cars Can Also Be Equipped With AC Units

Classic vehicles and some entry-level car models don’t come with an air conditioning unit. If this is the case then you can modernise or upgrade your ride by getting an air conditioning kit installed. These types of vehicle conversions are not the cheapest but they are relatively quick to install and will make a world of difference in your driving comfort.

Get Professional Air Conditioner Care in Melbourne

If you want to get your air conditioning unit checked out, repaired, or serviced then you should give us a call at A-Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning. We specialise in everything auto electrical and air conditioning related and can give your air conditioning unit a full service. Our mechanics are great at doing AC fault finding and repairs and can fully restore your unit whenever it starts giving trouble.

The post Car Air Conditioner Facts Vehicle Owners in Melbourne Should Know first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

These cooling systems are perfect for keeping you fresh, alert, and comfortable on a long and hot day. If you find yourself still sweating even when the air conditioner is on full blast then there is likely something wrong with your unit. 

So what do you do when your AC unit isn’t keeping your car cabin cool? Let’s find out.

Potential Air Conditioning Issues

The air conditioner should be able to cool down your car cabin within a few minutes even on the warmest of days. If it only seems to be blowing hot air, doesn’t make much of a temperature difference, or isn’t switching on at all then there is something off with your unit. 

Here is a quick look at some of the most common air conditioning issues:

Clogged Systems

Air conditioners have a lot of components and air is constantly circulating through these parts. If the tubes, vents, or filter becomes clogged up with insects, dust, debris, or leaves, the air won’t be able to circulate properly and your system might not function well.

A Refrigerant Leak

This is one of the most common issues with air conditioning units. If there is a leak in your AC unit, the refrigerant levels will quickly drop. Your air conditioner can’t cool down the air if there is no refrigerant gas. If this happens, the leak should be patched up and your refrigerant gas should be topped up again. 

Malfunctioning Temperature Regulator

Your air conditioner has a built-in temperature regulator. This regulator allows you to adjust the cabin temperature. If this component gives out, the unit will not be able to accurately regulate the temperature.

Broken Condenser

The condenser works in conjunction with your radiator fans. This component evaporates the refrigerant gas to cool down the warm air and will then condense it back into a liquid state. If the condenser is broken, the unit won’t be able to cool down the air. 

Faulty Evaporator Core

The evaporator core can give out due to age or wear. If this component breaks, the cabin air won’t cool down when it flows through the core. The air that blows into the cabin will stay warm.

Broken Control Panel

Modern vehicles are equipped with plenty of electronics. The air conditioner also has a computerised panel that maintains the function and temperature of the unit. If this part gives out, the air conditioner might not turn on at all.

What To Do When Your Air Conditioner is Not Working

If your vehicle’s air conditioner isn’t functioning then it is best to give A Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning a call. We offer mobile repair services and can drive to your location to get your air conditioner restored. Our professional mechanics can successfully repair any type of air conditioning issue and will get your vehicle’s cooling system back up to speed in no time at all.

Contact A-Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning

Vehicle air conditioning units are quite complex but they are some of the easier vehicle repair jobs to complete. With the help of a skilled air conditioning technician from A-Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning, you could be enjoying refreshing cool air in your car again within just a few hours and your travelling expeditions will stay cool and comfy no matter how hot it is outside. 

The post What To Do When Your Car’s AC Isn’t Keeping You Cool first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

Here is a quick look at how to do a quick 10-point safety check before you start loading your vehicle for the trip.

01. Inspect the Tyre

One of the very first things you will want to do is inspect your tyres. Getting a flat isn’t too dramatic but it is no fun to struggle to change a tyre on a busy road. 

Check the threading on your tyres to see if there is still plenty of wear left. You can also check for uneven wear since this can mean that your wheel alignment is off and will need to be re-aligned. If the front or back tyres are more worn down then it might be best to get all the tyres rotated. 

Remember to also inspect the spare tyre and check the air pressure level of all your wheels before you go.

02. Test The Brakes

Your brakes are a crucial safety feature. Go for a drive and lay on the brakes a little harder than usual. Do you notice any odd noises? If yes then you should get your brakes inspected or the brake pads changed. If you brake intensely and the car starts skidding without stopping then you should also get the ABS checked. Ideally, your brakes should never lock into place. Instead, they should constantly lock and release if you brake intensely.

03. Inspect The Windscreen And Wipers

Give your windscreen a good deep clean and inspect it for cracks or chips. These chips should be filled out with a windscreen repair kit so they won’t get too large. You can also check the windscreen wipers and make sure that they are still working properly and in good condition.

04. Test Out The Aircon

Driving without an air conditioner isn’t too dangerous but it does make a pretty big difference in comfort. A more refreshing cabin temperature can keep you from feeling too tired too quickly and will prevent family disputes, frustration, and heat stroke on your trip.

05. Inspect The Mirrors

Grab a cloth and clean all of your mirrors. Now inspect them all and adjust them properly so you can see well on the sides and behind your ride.

06. Inspect The Lights

Do a proper light inspection and test the headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and the interior ceiling light of your car. If the lights have an issue the bulbs or a fuse might need replacing.

07. Check The Fluids

Check all the fluid levels in your car. The oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluids should all be checked and topped up. Driving with low fluid levels can be terrible for your car and is very likely to result in terrible damage to the engine.

08. Inspect The Seatbelts And Chairs

Test all of the seat belts in your vehicle and check all the chairs. You can also test all the baby seats or booster seats and make sure that these are properly installed.

09. Check The Tool Kit

Every car needs a small tool kit with emergency tools that can help you change a flat, jumpstart your car, or change a fuse. It is also helpful to include a couple of basic survival tools in your tool kit such as scissors, a pocket knife, and a flashlight or two. 

10. Prepare An Emergency Kit

It is always good to have an emergency kit ready for your trip. The kit should include some basic tools, a first-aid kit, jumpers, and the contact number for emergency roadside assistance. 

If you notice any electrical or mechanical issues with your car then you should give A-Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning a call. We can repair any issues with the air conditioner or electrical components in your car for you and we can assist with a great many mechanical issues. Our mobile mechanics are also happy to come to your location in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs, Preston to help you prep for your big trip. 

The post How To Do A 10-Point Safety Check Of Your Vehicle first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

Vehicles Can be Serviced Outside of the Shop

You don’t always need an auto shop to get a car serviced or to get some minor repair work done. Most of the tasks required for car services can be done with just a couple of tools, suitable replacement parts, and the needed fluids and lubricants. There are also many repairs like electrical issues, air conditioning or heating problems, and other issues that can be fixed out of the shop.

Find a Good Mobile Mechanic

The most important thing is to find a skilled mechanic that is fully rigged with everything needed for services and small repair jobs. A-Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning is a good example of a great mobile mechanic that you can trust with the repair or service of any type of vehicle at any given location. 

Our call-out specialists come fully equipped with a van, a skilled mechanic, and all the tools required for the job. They offer mobile mechanic services and can perform all sorts of repair and servicing tasks for you at your home or your company while you are at work.

Book Your Service

To get your car fixed up, you will first need to give the mobile mechanics a call and make a booking. The mobile mechanic needs to find out a little bit more about your problem so they can stock up on the right tools and replacement parts. You will be asked about the type of issues or symptoms you are experiencing or the type of repairs that will need to be done. 

If you want an estimation for the call-out fee and repair then you can also ask for a quote before making the final booking. 

After accepting the quotation, the mechanics will take further details such as your contact information and address. 

Get Your Car Fixed at Home or while at Work

Once the repair job has been logged, the mechanics will immediately get to work. The van will be stocked with all of the necessary tools and equipment and they will head out to your location. The vehicle in question will be inspected and the skilled mechanic will determine all of the problems that might be causing the symptoms you experience with your car. If these issues can be solved on the spot, the mechanic can get to work right away. They can help you with a repair job in any parking lot or even by roadsides in case of an emergency. Within no time at all, your vehicle could be all fixed up and running again so you can safely and comfortably commute to work or home again.

Mobile mechanics from A-Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning are an ideal solution for busy bodies who might not have the time to take off from work to get their vehicles repaired and for those without an alternative means of transport. With our help, you can get your car repaired at any spot or you can find help for an emergency situation. 

The post How To Get Your Car Serviced Or Fixed At Your Home first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

Increasingly Dim Interior Lights

If your car interior lights keep dimming then it could be a sign of a battery r alternator issue because this issue is usually caused by a low voltage level. It is best to get this issue repaired quickly because alternator issues can cause damage to your battery or even starter.

Interior Lights Keep Flickering

If the interior lights keep flickering fiercely then it can be a sign of some loose ground wires, an alternator issue or your voltage regular could be to blame. 

Interior Lights Won’t Turn On Or Off

The car interior lights are supposed to turn off a short while after shutting the doors or as soon as you lock the car. If it stays on then it could be that someone might have turned the switch from the “Door” position to “on” or “off” position. If the light won’t turn on at all then the bulb might have fused and you will need to replace it. If the light stays on then it is time to give your mechanic a call or you will soon sit with a dead battery.

Car Dashboard Lights Are Not Working

If your car dashboard lights are not turning on at all when you start up the car then there is likely a blown fuse. The dash lights should come back on when the old fuse is replaced with a new one. 

If only certain parts of the dashboard lights are working then one of the light bulbs likely blew out and will need to be replaced. 

Flickering dashboard lights are usually a sign of a dying car battery or an alternator issue. This type of issue can also be caused by wiring issues. 

Malfunctioning Brake Lights

There could be several reasons for your brake lights to stop working. A blown fuse is one of the most common causes for this type of issue but in some cases, the bulb might be burned out. Wiring issues or a broken switch can also cause this type of issue.

Malfunctioning Indication Lights

If the indicator lights on your car are not common at all then there is likely a blown-out fuse or the bulb could be burned out. If the lights keep flickering rapidly then it is usually a sign of some electrical issue. 

Malfunctioning Headlights

The headlights on your car are very important for driving at night. If the lights are not coming on at all then it is likely a blown fuse or bulb but this and other signs like flickering or dimming can also be caused by wiring issues or battery problems. 

Some cars are also equipped with low-quality headlights that might not provide adequate lighting. If this is the case then you can get them replaced with something stronger so you can see better during night drives. 

Your car’s lighting and electrical system isn’t something that should be meddled with on your own. These systems can be very complex and you can end up causing a lot of future problems if you try to fix these problems without the correct tools or expertise. 

If you experience any of these lighting issues then the best thing you can do is give A Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning a call so an expert can repair these electrical issues for you. 

The post Common Car Lighting Problems And How To Solve Them first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

It is important to get your ABS inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is still in good working condition. In most cases, this part of your car’s braking system is inspected and maintained when your vehicle is taken to be serviced. These systems do, however, sometimes fail prematurely. Here is a quick look at the top signs that your car’s ABS might be failing.

The Abs Warning Light Is Glowing

The glow of your ABS warning light on the dashboard is the most obvious sign that something is off. A lot of car owners make a huge mistake by ignoring these lights. This warning light is designed to come on for a few seconds just after igniting your engine and should then turn off. If it keeps glowing or suddenly switches on while driving then there could be a problem.

The first thing you need to do is stop and switch off the car engine completely to see if the car just needed a reboot. If the light turns on again then it is time to call your local mechanic. 

It is important to get your car checked even though the ABS and brakes might seem to be functioning because only certain parts like the stability control or traction control might be disabled while the rest might still be functioning. 

The Brakes Lock Up

ABS is designed to keep the brakes or wheels from locking up when you hit the brakes too hard. You should experience jerky movements as the brakes lock and unlock if you suddenly brake too soon or if your car starts skidding on some loose dirt on the road. 

If your car starts to skid without the brakes fastening and loosening up then there is likely a problem.

The Abs Kicks In With Normal Braking

Your ABS is only supposed to kick in if your car starts to skid, or slide or if you suddenly hit the brakes too hard. But if this system kicks in even when you brake gently then there is also some type of failure.

Unresponsive Brake Pedal

As your brake pads become worn out, your brake pedal might slowly become more and more unresponsive. If you find yourself pressing down multiple times for the brake to work or before the ABS kicks in then it is a clear sign that your car needs to be serviced although something else could also be wrong.

Changes Pedal Pressure

You should be able to press down on the brakes with relative ease. With that said, your brake pedal shouldn’t drop all the way down the moment you press down on it. Changes in your brake pedal pressure can be a sign of a problem with your ABS or the brake components themselves. It can also be very dangerous to keep driving your car when you notice that there is something wrong with the pedal pressure. 

If you notice any of these signs of failure then the best thing you can do is give A-Plus Auto and Electrical a call. These professionals can check out your system for you and they can do all the needed repairs. With their help, you will be a lot safer while traveling on various terrains and roads. 

The post Signs That Your Car’s ABS Might Not Be Functioning Well first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

Air conditioning systems that are not properly maintained can, however, start to affect your health. 

How Your Car’s Air Conditioning System Can Make You Sick

There are quite a few different ways your car’s AC system can make you feel unwell. Let’s take a look at the different ways the cooling or heating system of your car can affect your health.

• Bronchitis and Respiratory Issues After Sudden Temperature Changes

It is pretty natural to get sick if you step out of a warm and sweaty area into freezing temperatures and vice versa. A lot of people catch a chill when they drive around with a toasty car cabin temperature and then suddenly step into the freezing air when they stop for a break on their drive. The same goes for warm and sunny days. If you are sweating profusely after working out on a warm day and suddenly step into a freezing car cabin with icy air blowing on your chest you can get a cold or develop bronchitis.

This type of condition can easily be avoided by simply gradually increasing or decreasing your car cabin temperature when you get in or out of the car.

• Diseases From Bacterial Build Up

Your car’s AC system has a lot of filters. These filters are helpful for keeping the cabin nice and clean because they will filter out any dust particles and impurities in the air. Bacteria can, unfortunately, also become lodged in these filters. When you turn the AC system on bacteria can be blown into your vehicle and it can result in you getting this specific disease.

• Respiratory Conditions From Mould Growth

If the AC filter or AC system isn’t cleaned properly, it can create ideal growing conditions for mould and mildew. The fungal spores produced by these growths can affect your health and cause respiratory conditions when these particles become lodged into your lungs after turning on the ventilation system. 

• Asthma And Allergies From Dirty AC Systems

If your sinuses flare up or if you struggle to breathe after turning the AC system on then the filters are likely clogged with allergens like dust and pollen. This issue will keep recurring every time you turn on the AC system until the filters are cleaned out.

How To Keep Your Car’s AC (And Your Health) In Good Shape

There are quite a few things you can do that will keep you from getting ill when you are driving. The first and simplest thing you can do is to keep your car interior nice and clean. Next, you will need to take your car to a mechanic so the AC system can be thoroughly cleaned and maintained. Once the pipelines and air filters have been thoroughly cleaned, the system will function a lot better and your car won’t smell quite as messy or dusty. 

Another important step is to use your AC system the correct way. It is better to gradually increase and decrease the temperature settings so you won’t catch a chill when you get in and out of the vehicle. Gradual temperature increases can also make your car a lot more fuel efficient since your engine won’t have to work as hard to maintain an extremely cold or warm cabin temperature.

A Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning

For any concerns related to your car’s aircon, the best thing you can do is bring it in to A-Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning. These professionals will repair your AC system and can give this system a deep clean so you can stay comfortable and healthy on your long drives. 

The post Is Your Car’s AC Making You Sick? Signs And How To Repair first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

It is good to test your vehicle’s heating system before the cold starts to set in. In this guide, we are going to take a look at the best way to test your car’s heating and some of the most common issues you might encounter.

How To Test Your Car’s Heating System

To test if your heater is functioning properly, you will first need to fire the engine up. It will take a couple of minutes to warm up the engine and your air conditioning system won’t be able to produce any hot air during these first couple of minutes.

Turn the dial on your car’s air conditioning system to warm. You should immediately notice air circulate through the vents into your car. While your car is still cold, the air might be cool but it will quickly heat up as your engine warms up. 

If your car isn’t producing hot air within 10 to 15 minutes or if the air doesn’t seem to be blowing into your vehicle then there could be an issue with your heating system. 

If your car is warming up then you might also want to test the different temperature settings. A lot more air should pour into your car when it is set on a high heat and high fan setting and the temperature should gradually decrease as you turn the temperature down. 

If you can get your cabin temperature nice and toasty within 15 minutes without hearing any strange noises or noticing any air circulation issues then you need not worry. 

However, if the air conditioner isn’t blowing properly, if the temperature isn’t increasing, or if you have a tough time adjusting the temperature range then there is likely an issue.

The Most Common Car Heating System Issues

Your heating system’s performance can be affected by a number of different issues. Here is a quick look at the most common heating system issues.

Low Coolant Levels

Vehicles require coolant to produce hot air because coolant is important for heat exchange. The coolant levels can drop as you use your car over time or if there is a crack in the coolant tank, hose, or if the water pump or radiator forms a leak. A blown head gasket can also affect your coolant levels but there should be lots of other running issues if this happens.

Failed Heater Control Valve

The heater control valve is a divert that stops the antifreeze from pouring into the heater core. If this control valve is malfunctioning, your heater won’t function properly.

Blocked Cabin Air Filter

Air filters can become blocked over time. When your cabin air filter is blocked, it can reduce the overall airflow inside the vehicle and the air conditioner’s ability to cool down the cabin will be affected.

If you want a professional to take a look at your car’s heater or need to get this system repaired, then you should give A Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning a call. These professionals can help you with any electrical issues, air conditioning pro

The post How To Test If Your Car’s Heating System Is Still In Good Condition first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

Repair And Maintain Your Car’s Air Conditioner

A broken air conditioning system can have a surprising impact on your car’s value and the longer it remains broken the bigger the impact will be. Prospective buyers will certainly note the air conditioning issue when they take the vehicle for a test drive and they will think twice about buying. The car market is, after all, highly competitive. Why buy your car when there are so many others with perfectly functional AC systems out there?

But that is hardly the biggest issue. When your air conditioner is broken you have no choice but to let down the windows while driving. This will let a lot of dust, grime, and dirt into your car interior. Over time, your car will start to smell like a dust ball and the dirt and grime will settle into all openings and cracks all over the interior. The upholstery, roof lining, and carpets will also become all dirty and stained. Over time, your entire car interior will become a mess and no one will be interested in buying. 

Getting your AC repaired and re-gassed is very important if you want to maintain your car’s value can make a huge difference in your driving comfort in the meantime.

Get Small Issues Fixed 

Small issues on your car like squealing brake pads, toxic odours, or startup problems might not seem like much right now but these tiny issues can result in huge mechanical failures. Mechanical issues can be very costly to repair and you won’t get a good price for your car unless it is in good running condition. It is much better to get small issues repaired before they result in huge failures.

Stick To Recommended Car Services

You should get your car serviced whenever these services are due. Skipping or postponing a service is very bad for your car and can even result in a complete breakdown if you keep pushing your car over the limits. And even if your car does hold up well despite being overdue, the skipped service will still have a huge impact on your sales price. This is because all car buyers take a look at your logbook. They will instantly know that your car is a ticking timebomb and you will have a tough time getting your old ride sold.

Get A Diagnostic Test Done Once A Year

With modern vehicles, it can be difficult to identify issues because there are so many electrical components. It is good to get a diagnostic test done once a year or whenever you notice strange behaviors like an increase in fuel consumption. These tests will identify all the problem areas in your car so you can get these small issues repaired before a breakdown occurs. 

If you notice any of these issues with your car or want to keep it in the best possible shape then you should reach out to A-Plus Auto Electrical. These mobile auto electrical professionals can help keep your vehicle in great shape so it can get a good sales price when you are ready to move on to something bigger and better. 

The post Tips To Help You Retain Your Car’s Value first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.

The very best thing about Christmas is the cookies. 

And the best cookies can usually be found at grandma’s home, our parent’s home, or perhaps at a cousin’s or a best friend’s.

It is good to hit the road and go and visit family or friends whom you haven’t seen in a long while. The festive season is an ideal time to catch up with these special people in your life and strengthen family or friend bonds. Your travels will also take you to all sorts of beautiful sights or festivities that you can enjoy along the way.

Before you leave for your trip, you should take a couple of precautions and make sure your car is ready for the long and busy road. In this guide, we are going to share some great tips to prepare your vehicle for the long journey so you can stay safe and enjoy a comfortable drive.

1. Check The Battery

Car batteries need to be replaced every three to five years. In some cases, your car battery can last a little bit longer but most batteries will start creating issues after about 5 years of use. Dead car batteries are amongst the most common car issues you might experience during the festive season. Get your car battery tested before your drive and get it replaced if it is showing signs that it might be dying.

2. Do A Quick Safety Check

After checking your battery, you might as well do a quick safety check. Inspect the car and test the indicators, headlights, park lights, brakes, and the hooter. If you notice any issues then it is best to get these small problems fixed before you start out on your holiday. 

3. Top Up Your Air Conditioners Refrigerant Gas

If your car isn’t doing a good job at cooling off the cabinet or if you find yourself running the AC system on full blast but still sweat in your seat then you are likely out of refrigerant. It is a good idea to stop by a mechanic to get your levels topped up or to check for leaks. Taking on a long journey with an air conditioner that doesn’t work is bound to be a nightmare, especially if you are traveling in a region that is particularly hot and dry during the festive season.

4. Upgrade The Audio System

Plenty of vehicles have out-of-date audio systems that don’t offer advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling, or an LED display. If your car radio is old and out of date then this festive season might be a good time for an upgrade. A modern sound system will make it much easier to play all your favourite tracks and it can keep you safe on the road because you will be able to take calls without touching your phone. 

5. Check Your Fluid Levels

You should make a habit of always checking your fluid levels whenever you go on a long trip. Without sufficient fluids, your car can easily break down or the fuel efficiency and functionality could be affected. If you are not certain about the correct fluids to use for your specific car model then the best thing you can do is visit an auto shop for some assistance.

If you want your vehicle to perform great on the open road or if you want to avoid unnecessary breakdowns then you should give A Plus Auto a call. These mechanics can help you get your ride ready for the long journey and they can do all sorts of upgrades and repairs that could make yor trips a lot more comfortable. 

The post Prep Your Car For The Holidays With These Tips first appeared on Aplusautoelectrical.