Facts About Your Car’s Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning, which was once a luxury, is now a common feature on most vehicles. While the servicing of car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.
You may need to recharge your system if your car doesn’t feel cold enough
If your car doesn’t feel as cold as it used to, then your system may need servicing, as the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. Most vehicles lose up to 15% per year on average. This leakage usually occurs because the system is not used during the winter months, allowing the small “O” ring seals to dry out and causing a gradual deterioration in system performance.
If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all. Most problems of this type can be corrected fairly easily by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant. This is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.
Some of our services include
- Adjust and/or replace drive belts
- Clean radiator and condenser fins
- Ensure evaporator drain hose is open
- Check that all system electrical connections are secure
- Make sure vacuum control lines are connected properly and in good condition
- Check duct outlet temperature
- Check that all compressor hardware is intact and secure
- Check the condition of all the lines and connections and make sure they are tight
- Test system pressures to make sure they meet specifications
- Test low-pressure cut-out switch
- Check for leaks after service is performed
Warning signs of a faulty system
- Insufficient cooling from vents
- Unusual odors from vents
- Noisy drive belts, compressor or blower motor
- A rhythmic clicking noise from under the hood with the air conditioner or defroster on
- An electric cooling fan that quickly cycles on and off
- Windows that won’t defog when using the defroster
- Water on the floor of the passenger compartment
Consider running your air conditioning year round to help maintain the system.
If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking, which can lead to leaks.
Strange noises should be attended to immediately
If your air conditioning system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is important to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist have a look at it. Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).
The compressor is usually the most expensive part of the system and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated. A flush of the system would then be needed, as well as replacement of the compressor and other parts, which could be quite costly.