How to tell if your car AC needs a recharge or repair? Signs to watch for and what to do next

Parts of the United States are experiencing a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures reaching triple digits for many Americans. Air conditioning provides relief for millions of American households as well as vehicles because drivers still need to commute in extreme temperatures.

A self-driving car drives in downtown Phoenix last month as the temperature of 115 degrees is displayed on a digital billboard. Summer heat and sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car, and create potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Driving without AC in a heat wave can be a miserable (and potentially dangerous) experience. So, how do you know when it's time to recharge or repair your car's air conditioning system? Here are some signs to watch out for.

How to tell if your car needs AC maintenance or repair

If your car's air conditioning needs to be charged more than once every three years, "you should have a professional diagnose it, repair the problem, and recharge the system" according to AutoZone.

Your car's AC may need to be recharged or repaired if:

• The AC only works when the driver accelerates
• A foul odor comes from the AC system
• Your car's AC stops blowing cold air completely

A car air conditioning issue can be scary, especially during extreme heat. If it has been around three years since your last AC recharge, you could solve this issue in just a few minutes thanks to convenient refrigerant kits.

How to recharge a car AC system

Car air conditioning recharge kits typically include two components: a can of refrigerant and a gauge assembly that allows you to check your car’s refrigerant levels and add more when needed, using a trigger on the assembly. Some vehicles require specific kits, so be sure the kit is compatible with your make and model before purchasing.

Auto parts stores allow you to filter your online search for AC recharge kits by your specific vehicle. The recharge kits could cost as little as $44.99 or as much as $129.99 depending on your vehicle. That said, recharging your air conditioning system on your own can help you avoid labor costs.

DIY: How to recharge a car's air conditioning system

• Locate your AC compressor under the hood of your car using owner's manual or videos
• Locate the compressor's low pressure line (the larger of the two lines connected to the AC compressor)
• Shake your AC recharge can and connect it to the low pressure line using the gauge assembly
• If the gauge indicates that your car AC is low on refrigerant, use the trigger on the gauge assembly to charge the system (this entire process is depicted in the video above)

Never overcharge a car's air conditioning system, as it may cause issues. If your vehicle isn't blowing cold air despite the gauge indicator's dial reaching the "Filled" range, you likely have a refrigerant leak or a larger issue that requires the work of a professional.

How much does it cost to repair your car's air conditioning system?

The average car air conditioning system repair ranges from $384 to $445, according to Kelley Blue Book. Recharging your AC can cost as much as $281. A complete air conditioning compressor replacement could run you $1,546 to $1,705.

Though repairs are necessary in some situations, there are plenty of steps you can take to maintain your AC and prevent major issues. Running it for at least 15 minutes a week (year-round) can keep your compressor lubricated. Additionally, cleaning and replacing cabin filters can reduce strain on the system.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to tell if your car AC needs a recharge or repair? Signs to watch for and what to do next