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Welcome to Alamo Auto AC!

Everyone knows in Texas, summer temperatures are legendary. In San Antonio, driving a car in the summer with no air conditioning is a sweltering experience.  When your auto’s air conditioner gives out, you need a dependable auto AC repair shop that can handle repairs on any make or model vehicle, and get you back on the road quickly and affordably. Alamo Auto A/C is the premier auto air conditioning repair and heating system repair shop in San Antonio.  A division of Eurasian Auto Repair, Alamo Auto A/C has been providing San Antonio drivers with quality vehicle air conditioner repairs and exceptional customer service since 1988.  Our team of licensed Bosch and ASE Master Certified auto technicians is ready to handle all of your car air conditioning repair needs. We know how important a functioning auto A/C system is to the comfort of our customers – and we’re proud that we can deliver the highest quality auto A/C repairs at affordable prices, ensuring you drive in comfort during the hot summer months.

Our new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting edge technology and equipment, and our extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive repair industry means we can resolve your vehicle’s AC issues and have you back on the road quickly.  With leading-edge diagnostic equipment and top-quality OEM parts, the Alamo Auto A/C team is here to deliver a broad range of solutions to your vehicle’s A/C repair problems.  From a quick check to a complete overhaul, we bring solutions to your auto’s A/C problems.

EVERY JOB IS PERSONAL

At Alamo Auto AC, you’ll find the quality you expect from the dealership, but with more personal and friendly service.

BEST MATERIALS

We have the cutting edge tools and state of the art diagnostic software to ensure your vehicle will get the proper diagnosis and repair, the first time.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Our auto repair shop is capable of servicing any make or model vehicle. And we provide the quality repair you expect, without trying to sell you services or parts you don’t need.

VEHICLES SERVICED

We provide top notch auto ac service for all types of vehicles.
These vehicles include but are not limited to:

  • Ford
  • Dodge
  • Jeep
  • GMC
  • Chevrolet
  • Lincoln
  • Cadillac
  • BMW
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • Nissan
  • Subaru
  • Land Rover
  • Lexus
  • Toyota
  • Volvo
  • Infiniti
  • Honda
  • Saab
  • Mini Cooper

FAQ’S About Auto A/C Repairs

Q: How does your car’s A/C and heating systems work?

A:  Auto heating and A/C systems function to keep your car cabin warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The auto A/C system additionally offers a dual function of working your defroster in the winter. Heating systems are comprised of a heater core which acts like a little radiator behind the dash, fan, and hoses which draw the heat from the engine to the core. Auto A/C systems operate similarly, by delivering coolant to the fan to blow cold air in the cabin.

Q: How often should I have my vehicle’s air conditioning system inspected?

A:  Actually, that is determined by you.  If your car won’t cool down, it’s probably time for an a/c inspection.  If you’re cool and comfortable with cool air blowing, you can cross A/C inspection off your list.

Q: Do I need my A/C system “recharged” every year?

A:  Only when the air coming from the vents no longer feels as cold as you remember.   If you start noticing the air isn’t as cool as it used to be, it’s time to have your system inspected.  In this scenario, most cars will be low on Freon. And since the A/C is a sealed system, low Freon is a sign that something is not right.

Q: What is Freon gas?

Freon is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company.  Freon, better known as R-12, was the primary chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used in car A/C systems up until it was banned in the mid 1990’s after the EPA discovered that it was depleting our planet’s ozone layer.  The auto industry has since switched to the CFC free R-134a.  They are stable, non flammable, moderately toxic gases or liquids which have typically been used as refrigerants and as aerosol propellants.

Q: Does more refrigerant make my air conditioning system blow colder?

A: Absolutely not!  The charge capacity of any car’s a/c system is quite specific.   It is vital to be sure that the system is charged with the correct amount of refrigerant.  “Topping off’ an a/c system on a car is not recommended.

Q: If my A/C system isn't blowing cold air, can I cause damage if it continues to operate?

A: YES! You absolutely can cause damage to your vehicle’s A/C system if it is “working”, or has the A/C compressor engaged, but isn’t blowing cold air.

Your system is probably low on refrigerant, and as a result, your A/C compressor is not being cooled properly.  The same refrigerant that keeps you cool also cools your compressor.  Without the proper flow of refrigerant, your A/C compressor isn’t getting proper lubrication either because there is not enough refrigerant flowing through the system to carry the required amount refrigerant oil to the A/C compressor. The result would most likely be catastrophic failure.

Q: My air conditioner only blows cool air intermittently. What causes this?

A:  An A/C system that blows cold air for a while, then warm air, is probably freezing up. This can be caused by air and moisture in the system that allows ice to form and block the outlet tube.

Q: Why do I have a bad odor coming from my A/C vents?

A: There are a few issues that may be causing this smell.

  • Dirty or old air cabin filter.
  • A moldy evaporator case.

Q: What is the A/C compressor?

A:  The compressor is the main component of every A/C system.  Without it, you will not have cool air blowing from the vents.  The compressor:

  • Pressurizes the refrigerant that cools your air.
  • Senses temperature changes
  • Controls the temperature of the air output with an electrically operated clutch. The clutch turns on and off whenever you change the temperature, change the airflow setting, or when the air from outside the car drops or rises in temperature.

Q: What are the signs of a worn compressor?

A:  There are several indicators that your compressor is worn.

  • Oil or Freon leaks
  • Noises
  • Erratic or no functioning of the system

Q: What is an A/C condendser?

A:  The function of the A/C condenser is to turn hot refrigerant gasses into a liquid. The condenser is mounted at the front of most vehicles, usually in front of the radiator.  As air passes through the condenser, the hot refrigerant gas is turned into a condensed, cooler refrigerant liquid.

Q: What are the signs of a worn condenser?

A:  There are several indicators that a condenser is worn.

  • Leaks
  • Clogged, corroded or damaged fins or tubes
  • Poor air conditioning performance

Q: I can hear the compressor coming on, but there's no cold air. What causes this?

A: There could be several reasons why your auto’s A/C compressor is coming on (or cycling on and off) but you still do not have cool air coming from the vents.  In general, the reason is that there is not enough liquid refrigerant in the A/C evaporator to effectively transfer the heat. This is sometimes referred to as a “superheat  condition”.

The superheat condition is caused by only one of two reasons.  One is that there is a problem with the flow of refrigerant entering into the evaporator.  The other is that the system is low on refrigerant.

Q: My A/C works but the air doesn't blow out of the right vents. What's the problem?

A: The problem lies in the control system that regulates air distribution. The control system handles the air distribution so that you can select defrost, floor or dash vents.  

Q: Why does my A/C have weak airflow?

A:  In this situation, there are a lot of components at play. If you notice reduced air flow sooner rather than later, have it looked at before other serious A/C system damage can occur.  The main causes of weak airflow:

  • Mold or mildew may have accumulated in the evaporator core.   Moisture that occurs during the cooling process can accumulate. When this happens, air will have trouble reaching your air vents.
  • A hose has come loose. Typically it is the blower hose that supplies air to the blower unit.
  • Ventilation fan has failed.
  • Seals that have weakened.   Core case seals, blower house seals or evaporator core case seals can open up and diminish air flow. A/C ventilation systems are very sensitive and must remain sealed. Once they’re opened, the whole system is compromised.

Q: What causes an A/C system leak?

A:  Two reasons:  age and moisture. Rubber seals and hoses can lose their elasticity over time and break down.  This allows Freon to escape and moisture to enter your vehicle’s A/C system. Moisture is the kiss of death for your A/C system, mixing with refrigerant and creating a system destroying corrosive acid.

Q: How much will repairs to my car’s air conditioner cost?

This can vary greatly depending upon the kind of car you drive, where you live, and what type of repair is needed.  Generally speaking:

  • Minor Repairs:   $150-$800

Minor repairs include things such as having a technician inspect and evaluate the system’s hoses, belts and connections, and if necessary adding fresh refrigerant (possibly including a dye to check for leaks.)  These costs include the cost of the refrigerant and labor costs.   If leaks are detected, minor repairs to a vehicle’s air conditioning system and then recharging it typically costs between $150-$800.  This includes replacing a few parts like hoses, sensors, or either the compressor or condenser.

  • Major Repairs:   $1,000-$4,000+

Extensive auto air conditioning repairs can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more, Depending on make and model, major repairs can cost from $1000 to $4000, or more. This can include replacing several or all of the air conditioning system’s parts and then recharging the refrigerant

  • Adding Air Conditioning:   $1,500-$4,000+

Installing air conditioning in a vehicle that doesn’t have any can cost $1,500-$4,000 or more, depending on location and the vehicle’s year, make and model.  And luxury vehicles can cost even more.

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