What to Do When the Car AC Stops Cooling After Wading Through Water?

[StSara]

If the car's air conditioning stops cooling after wading through water, it is likely due to a compressor malfunction. Insufficient cooling caused by excessive refrigerant usually occurs when too much refrigerant is added during maintenance, as the proportion of refrigerant in the air conditioning system must meet specific requirements. If the proportion is too high, it can affect heat dissipation—greater heat dissipation leads to higher cooling capacity, while less heat dissipation results in lower cooling capacity. Effects of water exposure on the car: 1. The car has many channels that are difficult to clean after water ingress, leading to mold and rust over time, such as inside door panels, air conditioning ducts, and structural cavities. Areas like the crankcase and differential also have exhaust vents. 2. Soft interior decorations soaked in dirty water may leave stubborn stains, and residual dirty water can continue to promote mold growth. 3. Lubricants in components like the four-wheel bearings and half-shafts can degrade quickly when soaked in water. 4. Electronic devices, such as the electronic parking brake, audio system, and certain sensors, may cause long-term issues if not repaired promptly after water exposure.