Many motorists do not think about maintaining their vehicle's AC unit until it breaks down. A dysfunctional AC not only causes discomfort while driving, but it can also affect your engine's ability to remain cool.

The AC systems of most vehicles are tied to the cooling mechanism of your engine. Therefore, motorists should be aware of any vehicle AC issues and fix them as soon as possible. Here are 4 of the most common problems you may experience when trying to remain cool on the road.

1. Fluid leakages

There are many similarities between your vehicle's AC and the air conditioning unit in your home. Both systems use a refrigerant to generate cool air and to circulate it throughout a particular area.

The refrigerant needs to circulate effectively through a network of coils and compressors before cool air enters the passenger area of your vehicle. Therefore, any leaking pipes or coils may result in a dysfunctional AC system.

In particular, damages to the hose, compressor or electric motor can result in refrigerant leaks. In some cases, you may even notice leaking fluid underneath the engine of your vehicle. Have any potential leaks thoroughly inspected and repaired.

2. Dirt and debris

Another common problem with vehicle AC systems is contamination. Dirt and debris can interfere with your vehicle's internal system and cause damage.

Debris not only clogs air pathways, but it also contaminates fluids and interferes with the generation of cool air in your vehicle. You can address this problem by flushing the AC unit to remove all foreign particles.

3. A faulty evaporator coil

The evaporator coil plays an important role during heat exchange. It heats the refrigerant fluid into a gaseous state, where the fluid can absorb warm air from your vehicle. This warm air is then expelled to the outside and the refrigerant returns to a liquid state.

If the evaporator coil is damaged, your AC system will not be able to expel warm air from the interior of your car. In most cases, it is better (and cheaper) to replace the entire coil rather than repairing it. Contact a shop that offers car air conditioning services for an estimate.

4. A broken belt

Your vehicle's AC also depends on a series of belts that keep internal components in motion. A single broken belt can interfere with movement and cause a break down in airflow. Almost every vehicle will need its AC belt replaced at some point in time.