After months of cold mornings and bundled-up drives, the first warm day of spring feels like a breath of fresh air. You jump into your car, crank up the A/C... and instead of cool relief, you get a blast of warm, stale air. Not exactly the welcome you were hoping for, right?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every spring, we see a wave of drivers surprised to find that their A/C isn’t working like it used to. The truth is, even if you haven’t touched the A/C in months, winter can quietly take a toll on your system.At DeBoer's Auto, our mission is helping people live life uninterrupted—and that includes making sure your vehicle is ready for every season without surprise breakdowns.
What Happens to Your A/C Over the Winter?
During the colder months, most people don’t use their A/C at all. And while that might seem harmless, the lack of use can actually cause problems. When the A/C system sits idle for months, rubber seals and gaskets can dry out, leading to small leaks. Parts that are meant to move—like the compressor—can stick or seize, and the system as a whole can lose efficiency simply from lack of activity.
Cold weather also plays a part. As temperatures drop, the rubber components inside the system can shrink slightly, creating tiny gaps where refrigerant can escape. Even a minor refrigerant leak can cause your system to lose its cooling power. So when you fire up your A/C for the first time in spring, it may not have enough refrigerant to get the job done.
Another common issue is compressor trouble. Think of your compressor as the heart of the system—it circulates the refrigerant and keeps everything moving. If the compressor hasn't been working for months, it can have a tough time getting going again. In some cases, a low refrigerant level can even prevent the compressor from kicking on at all, leaving you with a system that blows warm air or no air at all.
Other Winter Surprises: Rodents and Clogged Filters
While mechanical wear and tear are common, winter can bring a few other surprises under the hood. Small animals like mice and squirrels often seek out warm, sheltered places during the cold months—and unfortunately, your engine bay can be the perfect spot. It’s not unusual for rodents to chew through wiring or insulation, which can affect A/C performance once spring arrives.
On top of that, a clogged or dirty cabin air filter can restrict airflow so severely that even a perfectly functioning A/C system struggles to push cool air into the cabin. Over the winter, debris and moisture can build up in the filter, leading to poor airflow, musty smells, and a generally uncomfortable ride.
Why a Spring A/C Check Matters
Getting an A/C inspection early in the season isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your vehicle and your wallet. Catching small problems now, like a minor refrigerant leak or a dirty cabin filter, can prevent bigger, more expensive repairs down the road. A neglected A/C system can eventually suffer major compressor damage, leading to costly replacements.
Regular A/C checks also improve the quality of air inside your car. Moisture that sneaks into the system can create mold and mildew, causing unpleasant odors and even potential health issues. An inspection helps ensure that both the temperature and the air you’re breathing are exactly what they should be: cool, clean, and comfortable.
At DeBoer's, we believe your vehicle should work as hard as you do—no interruptions, no surprises. Our team is here to help keep your life moving forward with reliable service and trusted care.
What We Check During an A/C Inspection
When you bring your vehicle in for an A/C service, we take a comprehensive look at the entire system. That includes checking the refrigerant levels and system pressure, making sure the compressor and condenser are functioning properly, testing the system’s cooling performance, and inspecting for any leaks or signs of damage. We also take the time to examine your cabin air filter and recommend a replacement if needed.
It’s a simple service, but it can make a world of difference when summer temperatures soar.