$25 off
A/C repair or recharge
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.
A/C blowing warm? Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair finds the cause, whether it's a leak, a compressor that isn't engaging or an electrical fault, fixes it with your approval and confirms cold air at the vents. We work on R-134a and R-1234yf systems. Walk in at 310 Encinitas Blvd, book online or call (760) 753-1000.
An A/C system that blows warm almost always has a reason: a leak, a part that isn't engaging, an airflow problem, or an electrical fault. Adding refrigerant without finding the leak may get you cold air for a while, but the refrigerant will escape again.
At Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair we test the system, locate the problem, and give you a written estimate before any work. Our A/C work includes performance checks, leak repair, A/C recharge, A/C component replacement, and air and cabin filter replacement.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- Walk-ins welcome
Signs your A/C needs attention
- Air blows warm or only slightly cool
- Low refrigerant from a leak, or the compressor isn't engaging.
- Cold on the freeway, warm at stop lights
- A condenser fan that isn't running, or a system that's low on charge.
- Weak airflow even on high
- A clogged cabin air filter or a blower motor problem.
- Musty smell when the A/C turns on
- A dirty cabin filter or moisture in the evaporator area.
- Clicking, rattling or squealing with the A/C on
- A compressor, compressor clutch, or drive belt problem.
- Water on the passenger floor
- A blocked A/C drain sending condensation inside instead of under the car.
- A/C works sometimes and not others
- An electrical fault, such as a relay, pressure switch, or wiring issue.
How an A/C repair works here
Inspect
We measure the air temperature at the vents, check system pressures, and inspect the compressor, belt, condenser, fans and cabin filter. If the system is low, we look for where the refrigerant is going.
Explain and estimate
We tell you what's causing the problem. If it's a leak, we show you where. Then you get a written estimate, whether the fix is a seal, a hose, a component, or a recharge.
You approve
Nothing is repaired without your OK.
Repair
We repair the approved items and recharge the system to the amount your vehicle's manufacturer specifies.
Road test
We check vent temperature again, at idle and while driving, and confirm the compressor and fans are cycling normally.
Why a recharge alone usually isn't the fix
An A/C system is sealed. If it's low on refrigerant, some of it leaked out, and it will keep leaking until the leak is repaired. That's why we check for leaks before recommending a recharge. A cabin filter is the other common culprit for weak airflow, and it's a quick part to check.
Why customers choose us
We look for the cause.
Leak checks and component tests come before a recharge, so you're not paying to refill a system that will leak again.
Makes we service
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Ford
- Honda
- Jeep
- BMW
- Subaru
- Mercedes-Benz
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Volkswagen
- Acura
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Dodge
- Porsche
- GMC
- Audi
- Cadillac
- Volvo
- Mini
- Land Rover
- Infiniti
Recently in our bay: Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX 350, Honda Accord, Toyota Highlander, Honda Odyssey, Lexus ES 350, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
What customers say
From other Google reviews of the shop:
5 out of 5 stars
"…He also offered some suggestions on fixing my air conditioning that I’ve been having problems with (for a reasonable price)! I’ll definitely be back to Encinitas smog if I need a car service."
5 out of 5 stars
"Super happy with the crew here. Great friendly service and they did a great job for a very fair price. Couldn’t ask for better! I’ll bring my truck here for any and all future work and will recommend them to friends and family. Thanks!"
Frequently asked questions
Can you just recharge my A/C?
We can, but if the system is low, refrigerant has leaked out. We check for the leak first so you know whether a recharge will hold or whether a repair is needed.
Why does my A/C smell musty?
Often it's a dirty cabin air filter or moisture around the evaporator. We start by checking the filter.
Why is my A/C cold on the highway but warm in traffic?
At low speed the condenser depends on its cooling fan. A fan that isn't running, or a system that's low on charge, often shows up first at idle.
Do you replace cabin air filters?
Yes. Air and cabin filter replacement is one of our regular services, and we can check it during an oil change or any other visit.
Do you replace A/C compressors and other parts?
Yes. We repair and replace A/C components when testing shows a part has failed, and we give you a written estimate first.
Location and hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair
310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1000
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000
Drivers from Leucadia, Olivenhain, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Solana Beach bring their A/C to our Encinitas Blvd shop.
Get your A/C blowing cold
Bring the car in or book a time. We'll test the system and put the estimate in writing.
$25 off
A/C repair or recharge
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.