CHRISTMAS 2015

As we look back on the past year, we would like to acknowledge those who have helped shape our business.  When we at Kool Kar Auto Repair think of being in business, we quickly think of

our relationships with friends and customers like you.  We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter, and we look forward to working with you in the years to come.

It is in this spirit that we say thank you for reading our blogs, visiting our shop, and for the nice messages and words of encouragement you have expressed.

From everyone at Kool Kar Auto Repair I hope you have the most wonderful Christmas Season ever, and I pray the LORD richly bless you and your family during the coming New Year.

Happy Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving draws ever closer, and another year is almost gone...we all should stop and think of all the reasons we have to be thankful. 

Here are but a few of those reasons. Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving.

Heaters- HVAC Controls

Early automotive HVAC Controls consisted of simple switches and cable operated blend

doors. Modern cars and light trucks now employed electronic controls that are often times computer controlled.  

The new control systems have a reasonable service life, however, diagnosing and repairing these modern systems can be a challenge. There are some simple things you can do to help prevent premature component failure. 

Since new HVAC controls are electronic and computer driven they are susceptible to the same damage that your PC and Printer are. If you spill coffee in em, they tend to not work any more. So... to prevent damage, avoid spilling drinks on the control unit, avoid leaving the hood up or the windows rolled down during a rain storm or while washing the car. All of these can lead to moisture damage. Avoid prolonged operation with a faulty battery or alternator... these conditions can lead to voltage spikes and damage the on-board computers and electronic components. And last but not least, get faulty components replaced as soon as possible. Many times a faulty component will cause damage to other components in the system. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair is fully equipped and capable of accurately diagnosing and repairing your modern computer controlled HVAC system. Make Kool Kar your first stop for auto repair and service. 

Heaters- Heater Core

The heater core is the heart of your vehicle's heater system. Without it, the heater won't

work at all. During the winter it is critical to your safety for the heater to be able to defrost/defog the windows. 
Hot engine coolant flowing through the heater core provides the source of heat that is distributed through the vents to warm the vehicle and defrost/defog the windows. 

Think of the heater core as a tiny radiator that operates in reverse. Instead of evacuating heat from the vehicle, this unit distributes heat into the vehicle. Some of the common causes of heater core failure include:

1. Clogs-Clogged passages in the heater core dramatically effect the efficiency of the heat exchange. Products like leak sealer and improper type of antifreeze are the most common culprits in this type of problem.
2. Leaks- Leaking heater cores are common and many times the cause of the leak is improper coolant maintenance of the cooling system. As the coolant ages, it becomes slightly acidic and this can cause a condition known as electrolysis. Dissimilar metals in slightly acidic coolant can cause erosion of the metal. When enough of the metal sealing surfaces erode, the seal fails and a leak occurs. 
3. Cracked or Broken Coolant Tubes- Coolant travels through small tubes into the heater core from the engine. Many manufacturers make these out of plastic and over time, they will crack or split. One of the primary causes is heat cycles. The tube gets hot, then cold, then hot again. This heat cycle will cause the plastic tubes to become brittle. 

The heater system in your vehicle is an important part of making your vehicle comfortable and safe to operate. By staying on top of your maintenance you can dramatically improve the life of your heater core. 

Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair for all of your heating and cooling system maintenance needs.

Heater Systems- Maintenance

Maintaining your heater so it will be ready

when you need it is a simple yet often forgotten part of vehicle maintenance.  

While it's true that much of the maintenance for the heater is accomplished during routine cooling system maintenance there are a few items to consider in addition to that. 

Flushing the cooling system also flushes the heater core, but only if you turn on the heater while you are doing it. Unless this is done, sludge and corrosion can build up in the heater

core and cause inefficient heat transfer and premature failure of the heater core due to leaks. In addition to flushing the heater core, the mechanical control known as the heater control valve should be inspected and replaced if it is frozen or shows signs of leakage. 

Another often forgotten item is the cabin air filter. This filter is normally located in a panel behind the glove box and should be replaced yearly. The cabin air filter captures

allergens and dust that would otherwise be distributed throughout the passenger compartment. If it becomes clogged, air flow through the vents can be diminished and ineffective. 

Maintaining your heater is a simple yearly task that can go a long way towards minimizing your yearly repair costs. Make Kool Kar Auto Repair your first stop for all of your auto repair and maintenance needs. You'll be glad you did.

Electrical System- Alternators

The starter and other electronic systems needed to run your vehicle use a tremendous amount of

power from the battery to start the engine. After the engine starts the alternator takes over and supplies most of the power needed when the engine is running. 
It also recharges the partially depleted battery to maintain full cranking power for the next engine start. Today's electronic heavy cars and light trucks would quickly exhaust the power in the battery without it.

Some of the common causes of premature alternator failure include:

1.  Weak/Dead Battery. When the battery begins to wear out, the alternator must work harder to restore power. In many cases, a dead battery can not be fully recharged by the alternator. Weak and Dead batteries cause the alternator to overheat and the eventual result will be premature failure. If your battery runs down, recharge it with a suitable battery charger instead of relying on the alternator.
2. Oil Soak- Alternators that are mounted low on the engine may be exposed to oil from leaking engine components. The oil works it's way into the alternator internal components and softens protective coatings on wires, brushes, and other electronic components. Repairing oil leaks when they first appear is the key to preventing this type of failure.
3. Improperly Fitted Drive Belt-  A drive belt that is to lose will cause vibrations through the alternator that, over time, cause damage. A drive belt that is to tight will put undue stress on the bearings in the alternator and lead to failure. Properly fitted drive belt systems prevent this type of damage.

Properly maintaining your vehicle is the key to long life for the charging system in your car. Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair for all your auto repair needs!

Electrical Systems- Starters

We've had it happen... you get in the car or truck... inserted the key... and are greeted by a deafening "click click click"... then silence. 

Many times the battery is the culprit but, just as often, the starter has failed. The starter is a simple electric motor that uses direct battery power to engage the flywheel and turn the engine to start it. This is a simple circuit and there are a limited number of possible causes for a starter failure.

Common Causes of Starter Failure Include:

• Bad Solenoid- The solenoid is usually mounted to the top of the starter and is an electromagnetic switch that supplies the power to turn on the starter motor. When the internal contacts wear out, or the winding's in the electromagnet short out, the solenoid won't engage the starter motor.
• Bad Starter Motor- The starter motor is a powerful DC motor and just like any other DC motor, the brushes and bearings in them wear out over time.
• Loose Connections- The positive battery cable in most vehicles feeds direct battery voltage to the starter. If the connection becomes loose or otherwise compromised, the starter won't have the available power it needs to start the engine. 
• Oil Leaks- Hot engine, power steering, or transmission oil leaking on the starter can work it's way inside the starter and cause the protective coating on the motor winding's to soften and degrade. When this happens, the stater shorts out and can not do it's job.

Simple repairs like fixing oil leaks and proper battery maintenance can go a long way to preventing premature starter failure. Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair for all of your starting and charging system repairs.
 

Starting and Charging Systems- Batteries

1.  Battery Case

2.  Battery Plate

3.  Electrolyte

4.  Plate Separator

5.  Battery Posts

The heart of the starting and charging system, in your car or light truck, is your battery. 

Today's electronic laden vehicles require electrical power not only to start your vehicle but then to run all of the critical computer systems and convenience devises. With the introduction of computer systems into nearly every function of the vehicle, the required load is often on the ragged edge of what the battery can provide. That is why it is important to maintain your battery to prevent premature failure and breakdowns.

Common causes of battery failure are:

• Vibration- Severe vibration or impact can dislodge the lead paste, in the battery cells, drastically lowering the available power output. AGM batteries like the Optima brand are less susceptible to this failure than standard flooded cell lead acid batteries, but even they can be damaged by severe conditions. The easiest way to limit vibrations to you're battery is to make sure they are properly installed and secured.
• Loss of Electrolyte- Over time heat from the engine, and even hot summer conditions, will cause the water in your battery to evaporate. The constant charging and discharging that your battery sees during normal use also contributes to electrolyte loss. Low electrolyte conditions will cause excessive gassing, excessive battery heat and shorting of the plates inside the battery. The easiest way to prevent premature failure due to electrolyte loss is proper maintenance of the battery twice yearly.
• Corroded Terminals- When the battery charges and discharges during normal operation, acid is suspended in the gasses that are vented. This acid builds up on the surface of the battery terminals first as a damp residue them over time as acid salts. Corrosion from the build up can get between the terminal and the battery post causing high resistance and ultimately a bad connection. Regularly cleaning the terminals and posts prevents these types of failures.
• Age- The service life of your battery is in large part effected by heat and lack of maintenance. Here in Texas the average life of a standard battery is around 3 years.

Proper installation and regular maintenance will go a long way towards preventing premature battery failures. So stop by Kool Kar Auto Repair today for all of your starting and charging system maintenance and repair needs.

Cooling Systems- Coolant

Modern Antifreeze/Coolant found in today's cars and light trucks is designed to serve multiple purposes.

 Not only does coolant contain chemicals that keep your engine from freezing up in winter, it also contains chemicals that prevent corrosion in the cooling system and acts as a lubricant for the bearings in the water pump. Your engine's coolant does all of this on top of keeping the engine cool. 

There are two basic kinds of coolant available today... Conventional and Long Life.

Conventional coolants contain phosphates that break down over time and should be replaced yearly. 

Long Life coolants are phosphate free and do not breakdown as quickly. This type of coolant contains other chemical compounds that replace the phosphates found in conventional coolant. 

It's important to know that these two types CAN NOT be mixed. Mixing Conventional and Long Life Coolants will cause the coolant to congeal in the system and severe damage can result.

Some of the common cooling system failures related to poor maintenance include:

1. Corrosion that result in damaged water pumps, head gaskets, and other metal parts in your engine.
2. Freezing that can result in cracked engine blocks and cylinder heads.
3. Seized water pump bearings.

 All of these problems can be prevented by regular maintenance of the cooling system in your car.

Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair today to have your car's Cooling System Checked before Winter!

Cooling System- Water Pump

The water pump in your vehicle is responsible

for circulating the engine coolant through the cooling system.  

Usually belt driven, although there are some electric models, the pump impeller picks up coolant in the front of the engine block and moves it through the radiator and back into the engine. 

 Common problems associated with a faulty water pump include:

1. Bearing Failure that results in noise and in some cases damage or loss of the drive belt
2. Seal Failure that results in leaks through the Water Pump Housing
3. Impeller Failure, that is usually caused by poor maintenance and results in loss of coolant flow.

All of these failures can lead to severe overheating and possible damage to the engine. This makes cooling system maintenance a very important part of you maintenance schedule. Simply flushing the old coolant out, and replacing it with fresh coolant, yearly can help eliminate breakdowns, and costly repairs. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair is your Number One Source for all things Automotive in Azle, Texas Phone 817-270-2549

Auto Cooling Systems (Radiators)

The engine in your car or light truck generates a tremendous amount of heat during operation. 

If the excess heat is not managed and eliminated the life expectancy of your engine is almost zero. The component in your vehicle that is responsible for removal of the heat generated by your engine is the radiator. As coolant runs through the passages in your engine it absorbs heat. When it reaches the radiator, that heat is released into the air flowing between the fins. This heat exchange is critical to protecting your engine from damage.

The most common cause we see today, for failure of the radiator, is leaks caused by lack of maintenance. Modern coolant has seal conditioners designed to protect the seals and seams in your cooling system. Without it, heat and acidity can deteriorate the plastic tanks and cause the tank seals in your radiator to fail or even the plastic tanks to split. 

Another common cause for radiator failures is clogged internal passages. Without proper maintenance, scale and rust will be carried into your radiator and over time clog the internal passages. This reduces the radiator's efficiency and may cause over heating.

So, bring your car to Kool Kar Auto Repair for cooling system maintenance that will protect those vital parts like the radiator. 

Car Pulls When Accelerated

Why does my car pull when I accelerate?

We get asked this question all the time.... "Why does my car pull to the right when I accelerate hard? 

This condition is called "Torque Steer" and is cause by engine torque being applied unequally to the front wheels. This condition is usually found in Front Wheel Drive vehicles. 

As the transmission applies torque to the drive axles, a small amount of that torque can be used up (absorbed) by the axle if it twists. The longer the axle is, the more torque it absorbs as it transfers that torque to the  wheels. A shorter axle will have a tendency to absorb LESS torque as it is applied to the wheels. When the vehicle has two different length axles, torque can be applied unevenly to the wheels.

Another common cause of torque steer is worn suspension parts like control arm bushings. While this is not true torque steer, this condition can cause the same symptom. This time the problem is caused by a change in the alignment angles when accelerating. When the difference between the alignment angles of the individual sides becomes greater than about 1 degree the vehicle will suddenly try to pull to one side.

Over the years the automobile manufacturers have done a couple of different things to help eliminate torque steer. Some manufacturers, like General Motors in the 80's and 90's, did it by offsetting the alignment angles in the direction opposite of the pull. Others, like Honda, use a solid jack shaft between the transmission and the axle so that BOTH axles can be the same length.

Your vehicles suspension takes a beating on the road everyday. Having it inspected by a certified technician can prevent a major problem. Kool Kar Auto Repair is Your Source for All Things Automotive. 

When Should I Change My Car's Oxygen Sensors.

The oxygen sensors, in your vehicle, measure the oxygen content coming out of the engine going into the exhaust system.  

Based on that information, as well as other sensor information, the on-board computer makes adjustments to the air/fuel ratio. The Federal Government mandates that the Oxygen Sensors and other emission parts on your vehicle be covered under warranty for a certain amount of time.  Some manufacturers cover those sensors for 3 years or 36.000 miles. Some a longer period of time. Some for a shorter period. Check with the manufacturer for more information on your specific warranty.

Does that mean you should replace your oxygen sensors say, every 50,000 miles?  The short answer is NO. Many factors effect the function and longevity of the oxygen sensor. These factors include; heat, chemical contaminants, and excess fuel. By far the most common causes of premature oxygen sensor failure is physical damage and damage caused by engine misfire. 

The on-board computer, in your vehicle, monitors the oxygen sensor continuously. The computer is programed with a set of operating parameters that the sensor must maintain. The best indicator for the proper function of your oxygen sensor is the on-board computer. If the sensors do not operate in the pre-programed parameters, the computer turns the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light on to warn the driver of the failure.  Simply put...the proper time to replace an oxygen sensor is when the computer senses that it no longer functions properly.


Kool Kar Auto Repair is Your Source for All Things Automotive.  With 30 years in business we get things done, and done right the first time.  We not only say it, we guarantee it! 

BUYING A USED VEHICLE...DON'T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE

Have you ever bought a used car and been less than satisfied with the car.  If so, listen up.  I have some advice for you.  People buy used cars every day, and wished they had not.  Why do you think this is?  The main reason I have found is because they start finding things wrong with the car after they drive it for a while.  I have a solution to that problem.

If you are preparing to buy a used car, the very first thing you should do is take the car to a certified auto technician and have a pre-purchase inspection done.  This can save you not hundreds but thousands of $ Dollars $ in many cases.  If for any reason the seller will not permit you to take the car to a certified auto mechanic for inspection, my guess is they have something to hide. 

When our shop checks out a car for purchase, we check everything about the car from bumper to bumper.  I can tell you things about a car you would never dream.  For instance has the car been serviced properly? I don't need service records to find this out. Has the car been wrecked? You say, "Well, I will get a car fax". We will address that in a minute. Has the car been under water?  Does the car have the original engine and transmission?  Is there rust where you can't see? A good mechanic can tell you All these things and many more about the car you are about to purchase  Not to mention all the 250 plus components that are checked during the service to determine any problems.  

Speaking of problems, here's something that people don't realize. When I check out a car for purchase, all findings are recorded for the buyer to take back to the seller to use as a negotiating tool. This alone, in some cases, can lower the asking price of the car hundreds of dollars or get the seller to pay for these problems to be repaired. This can offset the cost of the inspection, in most cases, to nothing or almost nothing.

As far as car reports you get from some of the companies such as Car Fax, or Auto Report, they are not always accurate.  Let me explain. Let's say someone wrecks their car and takes it to a private shop for repair.  What if the owner pays for the repair out of pocket and does not report it to his insurance company.   Car Fax and Auto report will never know about the wreck.  This is no fault of these companies.  They try hard to provide concise and accurate information.  But due to the enormous amount of cars wrecked and/or totaled there's no way they can know about every car on the road. This is only one example of many, where a car falls through the cracks and never gets reported as being wrecked.

Kool Kar Auto Repair Provides this inspection for our customers. Over the years I have saved customers many thousands of dollars and in some cases the customer decided this was not the car for them.  It just had too many issues.

Kool Kar Auto Repair Continues to be your Number 1 source for all things Automotive.  Call or come by today. 817-270-2549

Check Engine Light

That Dreaded Check Engine Light...What on earth can it mean.
WARNING!  A Check Engine Light can mean real trouble, or it can mean almost nothing at all.  The problem is how do you, the driver, know the difference?   I am about to tell you how you can tell the difference...stay with me.  If your Check Engine Light is on, and it begins to flash, you can be in real expensive trouble.  My recommendation is, if the Check engine light is flashing, DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR!  It is much lighter on the pocketbook to call a tow truck than spend thousands on your car because you said to yourself, "I can make it into town".

When a Check Engine Light comes on something is wrong.  If you decide not to do anything about it, here is the top five reasons you should rethink your position. First, let's say the reason the light come on was because of a defective oxygen sensor. 

l.  If you don't replace that sensor your fuel mileage can drop as much as 40%.

2.  Too much unburned fuel leads to catalytic converter failure... which can be extremely expensive on some vehicles

3. Your car will run at a higher temperature.

4.  You may experience reduced performance.

5.  Your car will not pass a state emissions test.

This is an example of only one reason a check engine light may come on, other sensor failureS can cause similar results.

KOOL KAR AUTO REPAIR IS YOUR ONE STOP SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS AUTOMOTIVE. CALL OR COME BY TODAY WITH ALL YOU AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR NEEDS.
THIS SHOP HAS OVER 30 YEARS, SERVING TARRANT,
PARKER, AND WISE COUNTIES.

   

Auto A/C Controls...Blend and Mode Door Actuators

Modern cars and light trucks use small electronic actuators to control the temperature and mode selections. These electronic controls replaced the vacuum operated actuators, used through the 80's and into the 90's, to pivot the blend door and the mode door into the selected position. Unlike the vacuum controls that are either "ON" or "OFF", the electronic actuator is adjustable to an infinite number of positions.With the introduction of the infinitely adjustable "Electronic Actuator" it became possible to have computer controlled climate control as well as dual zone climate control. 

The electronic actuator uses a reversible electric motor that is attached to the blend or mode door pivot point by gears inside the actuator. By varying the voltage supplied to the actuator motor, the door is moved to the requested position. In vehicles with Computerized Climate Control Systems, the blend door actuator is controlled by an on board computer that adjusts the temperature output to achieve the exact temperature the operator requests...and then keeps adjusting the blend door actuator to maintain that temperature when it is achieved. 

Symptoms of a faulty actuator include a mode door that seems to be stuck in the defrost position or a blend door that seems to be stuck in heat or cool position. Occasionally this is also accompanied by an audible clicking or thumping sound from behind the dash. Replacement of either the blend door actuator or the mode door actuator may require the removal of the dash.

Kool Kar Specializes in  Auto Air Conditioning! With Over 30 Years in The Auto Repair Industry...We have the skills and Technology to Repair your  Car or Light Truck...Kool Kar is the A/C Authority in Texas. !-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->

WHY IS MY CAR'S CARPET WET ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE

YOU MIGHT ASK,  "WHY IS MY FLOORBOARD WET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE."  If you do not have a water leak due to a leaking windshield, my money is on two possible causes.

The first thing you need to look at...does it smell like antifreeze? If so there's a very good chance you have a heater core that's leaking.  If it is just water, with no funny smell, you most likely have condensation leaking from your car's evaporator.

Here is the deal...your Air Conditioning evaporator will condense water and it must drain off.  Normally the condensation drains from the evaporator to the bottom of the evaporator case where there is a drain, that carries the water to the outside of the vehicle.  If this drain becomes plugged for any reason, the water has no where to go, and will drain directly into the floorboard.

Kool Kar Is The A/C Authority In Texas...Call for all your Auto Air Conditioning Needs.

AUTO A/C LEAKS

AUTO A/C LEAKS ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WE FIND WITH TODAY'S CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS...and at times, they can be one of the most difficult to detect. There are two types of leaks that can be present on vehicle air conditioning.

First there are static leaks...these are leaks that leak when the A/C is not running.  Static leaks, leak all the time no matter what the condition.  They are not sensitive to hot or cold or barometric pressure most of the time.  However this is not always the case. Every now and then we see static leaks that will be sensitive to temperature change, or barometric pressure variations.

Then there are Dynamic leaks.  These are leaks that only leak when the system is running.  Which means the system must be at operating pressures for the leak to appear.  This type of leak can be more difficult to find because with the engine running, the condenser fan and engine fan blows away the refrigerant making it extremely difficult to fine with electronic leak detection equipment.  I recommend using tracer dye for this type leak...It will show up over a period of time and you should be able to find the leak.

A/C hoses are always a good place to start...check hose crimps and all connections before you do anything else.

For additional information on A/C problems, or many other issues with your vehicle, visit is at www.koolkar.com

Kool Kar Auto Repair is the A/C Specialist in Tarrant and Parker counties. Give us a call today at 817-270-2549 for all your automotive needs.

Auto A/C

Auto A/C is one of the top three most sought after accessories on today's cars and light trucks.  After all it's really not an accessory, it in fact is a necessity, especially if you live in one of the really hot parts of the country like Texas for example. No one will buy a vehicle today unless the A/C is in proper working order.

But when that Air conditioning does not perform properly, it can be a real drag, and get you hot under the collar (among other places). Sometimes an A/C system will slowly begin to decline and you may not even notice it at first.  After it begins to blow hot air you certainty will notice it. 

I would like to give you some tips that something may be up with your cars air conditioning.

1.  If you hear your A/C compressor begin to make noise, it probably will give you real problems, sooner or later, usually sooner.

2.  If the air no longer comes out the vents as forceful as it once did.

3.  If the air comes out the wrong vents when you turn the mode selector.

4.  If you notice it's taking longer to cool down the vehicle than it use to.

5.  If you have water draining in the passenger floorboard. 

6.  If you notice this constant clicking sound under the hood.  It could be your compressor cycling rapidly.  Which usually means low refrigerant. 

7.  If you smell a bad odor when you turn your a/c system on.

8.  Trying to install refrigerant in your own car is a bad idea.  Why? because you have no idea how much refrigerant is already in your system.  Adding to much refrigerant to your system can be worse than not enough.  Why? because you can over stress your systems compressor with to much refrigerant, causing it not to cool properly and possibly damaging the compressor or other components. Did you know your systems charge is so important, that as little as a half  ounce to much or to little refrigerant in some systems, can cause a cooling issue. That's why I say charging with cans is a bad idea. Again there is  no way to tell how much refrigerant is in a system without professional charging and recycling equipment.

Kool Kar Auto Repair is your number one source for all your Auto Air Conditioning needs. After all we are the A/C authority in Texas for a reason. 615 S.E. Parkway Azle Tx 76020 817-270-2549

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

THE HEAT IS ON IN TEXAS.  Unless you want to sweat all summer long, it's time to get that worn out Auto A/C repaired.  
We are coming into the hottest time of the year in Texas and 100 degree plus temperatures are around the corner.  

Did you know when your Auto Air Conditioner needs servicing, the compressor clutch will begin to turn on and off more frequently.  This places extra wear and tear on the compressor clutch assembly and will wear it out more quickly.  So if you hear that rapid on and off coming
from your cars Air Conditioner, it's definitely time to have your A/C serviced before you end up having to put a clutch assembly, or even worse a compressor on your car.

Kool Kar Auto Repair is The A/C Authority in Texas. Our Customers Give Us a Thumbs-Up on Quality, Service and Price... Every Time.

























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Why Does My Car's A/C Smell so Bad?

If your car's A/C smells horrific when you first turn it on, most likely it's due to mold and mildew that has built up on your cars evaporator.  How can this happen you might ask?  A/C odors usually result from growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.  How do they get there?  They are present in the outside air we breathe everyday.  They are drawn into the car thru the A/C system during operation.

Moisture is a big factor in the formation of odor. Most of this moisture drains off the evaporator and releases thru a drain in the evaporator case.  Some of the moisture clings to the evaporator after the Air Conditioning is turned off, making the evaporator a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold because it's warm and dark inside.

Another thing that adds to the dilemma is cigarette smoke. If you are a smoker the tar, overtime, will cling to the evaporator creating a sticky condition for everything in the outside air to stick to the evaporator.

How do you get rid of the odor?  The best way is to bring the car to Kool Kar Auto Repair and have the evaporator professionally cleaned and deodorized.  There are some things you can do on your own to prevent this from happening in the first place.  For instance the last few minutes before reaching your work or home where the car will be setting for a long period of time,  turn the A/C compressor off but leave the fan on full speed.  This will help dry out the excess moisture in the evaporator. Don't smoke in your vehicle, if you can't resist roll down the window when you smoke. Some people put fragrances in the car, this only covers up the odor and the oil in the fragrance will also stick to the evaporator.  The only proper way to treat this problem is disinfect it with something like Lysol spray if you are trying this yourself.  This product must be sprayed into the air intake where the cabin air comes into the car. 

When you have your evaporator professionally cleaned we go directly to the evaporator, if possible and clean it with commercial cleaner especially designed for this problem.  It will kill everything growing on the evaporator but is environmental friendly and won't harm you are your family.

Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair Today at 615 S.E. Pkwy Azle Tx for all your Automotive Needs. Call 817-270-2549

Auto A/C Evaporator Leaks

So, here is the scenario... Your A/C System has stopped working. You've been to two different shops and they can't find the leak. What do you do?

Many times the source of  those pesky, unfound refrigerant leaks is the A/C Evaporator. The location of this component is the reason evaporator leaks are tough to find. The evaporator is housed in the evaporator case/housing and buried inside the passenger compartment, between the dash and the firewall in most modern vehicles. This makes even the most advanced leak detectors nearly useless unless the leak it very large.

The evaporator works as a heat exchanger. As cold refrigerant flows internally through the evaporator, the blower motor forces warm air from the passenger compartment to flow through the evaporator externally. As the air flows through, the evaporator absorbs heat from the air and stores it in the refrigerant to be released into the atmosphere outside the vehicle. Leaks and restrictions are the two failures this component can develop over time.

Some common symptoms of evaporator failure are;

Refrigerant Leaks. There are a few techniques like adding a dye to the system that will leak out with the refrigerant and show up around the condensation tube of the evaporator case

Oily residue on the inside of the windshield. Unlike the oily residue from a leaking heater core, this oily reside is odorless and colorless.

Pressure readings that are high on the High Pressure Side and low on the Low Pressure Side of the system.  This symptom may indicate a restricted evaporator...especially if the symptom continues after the orifice tube or expansion valve has already been replaced.


At Kool Kar Auto Repair we take the time and effort to diagnose your vehicle right. Come to Kool Kar for all of your auto repair needs.

AUTO A/C REPAIR

Automotive A/C is a specialty that some general auto repair shops don't seem  to understand. Here, at Kool Kar Auto Repair, we get cars in frequently that have been to a general auto repair shop to get the a/c repaired and the customers problem is not solved.  I am not sure if it's lack of knowledge on how the systems works or lack of training or something else.

One of those vehicles came to our shop the other day. It had been to another shop to have the A/C repaired, but they didn't get the problem repaired.  The vehicle was not blowing air through the vent it was suppose to when directed by the control. An extremely expensive part had been installed only to make maters worse than they were before.  Finally the shop told the customer he could not do any more for  the problem and suggested it be taken to a shop that specializes in air conditioning.

We found the problem right away and corrected it quickly.  The part replaced by the other shop was not the problem and did not need to be replaced.

The point I am trying to make is this... if you take your vehicle to a shop for a specific repair and that repair does not get repaired properly, you should take the vehicle back to that shop and ask them to make the repair properly.  I'm not talking about intermittent electrical or electronic problems that can be difficult to track down and repair. You should never have to pay for the same repair more than once.

I have a few suggestions for you when taking your car in for service.  Explain the problem you are having with your car and ask the technician if he is certified to handle your specific problem.  If he says no, ask if he knows a shop that specializes in this specific problem.  You can save time and money by only allowing technicians that are competent in the area of the car you are experiencing problems with.  For instance if the technician is only certified in brakes, that doesn't make him qualified to repair your air conditioning system. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair is The A/C Authority in Texas. Our Customers Give Us a Thumbs-Up on Quality, Service and Price... Every Time.

About Overcharged A/C Systems

The A/C System in your vehicle is a precision system and overcharging the refrigerant can cause damage... sometimes severe damage. Charging the system with out the proper equipment can lead to overcharging and the Do-It-Yourselfer adding refrigerant at home is the most common cause. Just because the A/C doesn't blow cold out the vents, doesn't necessarily mean the system is low on refrigerant. In fact, an over charged system may have the exact same symptoms as an undercharged system.

When the a/c system is overcharged, the system pressures in both the High Pressure and the Low Pressure sides of the system rise dramatically. The result can range from an a/c system that doesn't cool adequately, and leaks, to severe damage to expensive parts like the compressor. To successfully charge the system refrigerant must be added by weight after measuring the weight of the existing refrigerant in the system. 

Some systems hold only a few ounces of refrigerant, overcharging these systems can play havoc on your cars air conditioner.

Bring your car to Kool Kar Auto Repair and our expert technicians will charge your A/C system properly, after giving it a thorough check out to determine if any problem exist. Save Time...Save Money...at Kool Kar Auto Repair.  Call today 817-270-2549

The Evolution of Automotive Air Conditioning

The 1940 Packard was the first automobile in the U.S that was offered with Factory Installed Air Conditioning. By the late 60's more than half of all cars sold in the U.S. came equipped with A/C and today nearly 100% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. have A/C. 

From the beginning, automotive air conditioning has relied on a change of state, of the refrigerant, from a liquid to a gas. As the cold gas refrigerant moves through the the evaporator, located behind the dash, warm air from the passenger compartment is blown over the condenser. The cold refrigerant absorbs the heat and moves it out of the passenger compartment. The heat is then released into the atmosphere at the condenser, located in front of the radiator. The type of refrigerant may change... but the basic principle stays the same. 

The real evolution of the automotive A/C system involves the control systems. Initially electronic pressure switches were used to prevent icing by shutting the compressor off when the pressure on the low side fell below a threshold. This prevented icing and resulted in a more consistent A/C vent temperature. Over time  pressure switches were added to the high pressure side of the system.

In modern cars and light trucks, a computer monitors the pressures and can turn off the compressor if a problem is found. Computerized dash controls now control the temperature inside the passenger compartment by controlling the vent and temperature functions of the system.

At Kool Kar Auto Repair, we work hard to stay on top of the evolution of your vehicles air conditioning system. You can count on us to service the system according to the manufacturers specifications. Our Customers give us a thumbs up on quality, service, and price...every time.

Noisy Auto A/C Compressors

Do you have a noisy compressor driving you crazy?

There are several causes of noisy compressors, and some of them need immediate attention to prevent permanent damage and premature failure.  Some of the most common causes are:

1- No Oil in the System. This type of noise is a heavy rattle sound coming from the compressor. If left unattended, the compressor will fail prematurely. 

2- Slipping Drive Belt. This type of noise can sometimes be solved with a simple belt adjustment, or replacement of the belt or tensioner. In some cases belt noise may indicate a compressor that is locking up because it is damaged, or freezing up. 

3- Worn Internal Compressor Parts. This type of problem can result in belt noise due to compressor failure, or a loud rattle from the compressor as the internal parts begin to fail. 

If your compressor is making any of these noises, it is important to get the system diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent UN-necessary repair costs. 

 Our Customers Agree...Kool Kar Auto Repair WINS on QUALITY, SERVICE and PRICE  Every Time...Thanks to all of you for making us NUMBER ONE.

Did You Know Part II Airflow Through Radiator and Condenser

Did You Know...Part 2
 Airflow Through The Radiator and Condenser 
 In our last article we talked about making cars lighter and the impact it can have on the cooling system and HVAC System.  In this article we want to focus on AIRFLOW through the radiator and condenser.  Small airflow changes through the radiator and condenser can have a dramatic impact on A/C performance. Reduced airflow through the radiator or condenser can result in premature compressor failure, poor performance, or even cause your engine or automatic transmission to overheat.  Restricted airflow is a common cause of compressor failure.  What causes a change in airflow through the radiator and or condenser?  I am glad you asked...here are some reasons why.

1.  If your car has ever been in an accident and the body shop did not re-install your air dam or fan shroud.

2.  Modifications to spoilers, grills, air dams or anything that inhibits air from flowing freely through the grill.

3.  A dirty Radiator or Condenser...one that's stopped up with dirt or debris on the outside or between the condenser and radiator.

4.  A Radiator or Condenser that's Stopped up from the inside causing improper heat exchange.


5.  Engine electric cooling fan or manual clutch fan not working properly.  JUST TO NAME A FEW!


Your cars ECU (Engine Control Unit) looks at numerous inputs to determine when the engine cooling fan or condenser cooling fan will turn on and off.  It looks at engine temperature, transmission temperature, A/C head pressure, and other sensors and switches essential for fan operation. The bottom line is keep the air flowing to prevent these problems.

When you have exhausted all your knowledge and still have a problem give Kool Kar Auto Repair a call or come by our location at 615 S.E. Parkway Azle Tx  We"ll leave the door open!

Our Customers Agree...Kool Kar Auto Repair WINS on QUALITY, SERVICE and PRICE  Every Time...Thanks to all of you for making us NUMBER ONE.

Did You Know???

Automobile Manufacturers do everything they can to make their vehicles lighter. It's an easy way for them to improve fuel mileage and power to weight ratio without changing computer controls and expensive engine parts. One of the results of this has been the reduction in the heat capacity of the cooling system. Manufacturers have downsized the radiator and replaced copper and brass with aluminum and plastic. This works great overall...BUT... Did you know that your vehicle's cooling system can alter the a/c system efficiency? 

Most cars and light trucks have the radiator located at the front of the vehicle. However between it and the grill is where the A/C system condenser sits. When your vehicle starts to run hot, it reduces the condenser's ability to remove heat from the refrigerant that passes through it. In addition to that, the heat build up can cause pressures on the high pressure side of the system to rise and this can lead to damage to the compressor.

At Kool Kar Auto Repair, we understand all of this. Bring your car or light truck by today and get the Cooling system checked if you are experiencing even slight over heating. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair... Azle's Most Trusted Auto Repair Specialists."

Summer is Almost Here... Is Your Auto Air Conditioning Ready for the Heat?    

Your vehicle's air conditioning system has been sitting idle, for the most part, over the winter. Cold weather can cause seals to shrink up slightly and small leaks can occur. The complex computer control systems, in today's cars and light trucks, are also challenged by extreme weather. The truth is, a system that worked perfectly last year, may not function properly this year. 

So why not get ahead of the game and get your a/c system checked and repaired BEFORE the hot weather hits. Bring your vehicle to Kool Kar Auto Repair today... and get your a/c system checked out and repaired as needed while it's still relatively cool weather. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair IS the A/C Authority in Texas...Stop By Today or give us a call at 817-270-2549 and BEAT THE HEAT!

DIY A/C Repair- What Not to Do.

At Kool Kar Auto repair we share the love of automobiles that the DIY Home Mechanic has.  

Auto Repair isn't just our business, it's our passion. However... there are some things you should know before you attempt an A/C Repair on your vehicle.

One of the most common problems we encounter at the shop is an A/C System that has been damaged by sealer that has been added to try and stop a leak. Adding Sealer to your system is a bad idea. Most sealers available at local auto parts stores can harden in the system and damage components like the compressor, Expansion Valve/Orifice Tube, and Evaporator. Once this occurs, the only way to repair it is to replace the entire system in most cases. A simple repair can become thousands of dollars worth of scrap metal very quickly. A customer brought their vehicle into the shop last summer that had exactly that happen. Not only did it damage the customer's A/C system, but our Refrigerant Recovery Machine was also damaged.

Another common problem we encounter is an overcharged system. Overcharging your system can cause the system not to work efficiently and may cause unnecessary damage to seals, and expensive parts like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Many Late Model A/C Systems are extremely sensitive to refrigerant undercharge/overcharge. In fact, some system tolerances are so tight that as little as one ounce of refrigerant can cause system malfunctions. These systems require that the system be evacuated and the EXACT amount of refrigerant installed. Simply adding a pound of refrigerant doesn't work.

The final thing to be careful of is the "Recharge Kit", also called a "Suicide Can" in the Auto Repair Industry. The recharge kits have a flaw in the overall design...they CAN be over-pressured by installation on the wrong port or possibly a severe over-pressure on the low side due to a restriction. When the pressure in the system exceeds the pressure in the can...well, lets just say you may have a shrapnel problem. The only right way to install refrigerant is with a proper equipment that allows the measurement of system pressure before the can is introduced to the system. 

DIY repairs can be rewarding and money saving...unless they result in unwanted costs and damage. And if you get into a repair and decide you are in over your head... bring it to Kool Kar Auto Repair in Azle, Texas...we'll be glad to help.