Tips to Maintain Your Car's Air Conditioning
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Air Conditioners, including that fitted in your vehicles, are engineered to remove undesired 'heat ' from inside, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants. Each automotive air conditioning system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and vaporize the refrigerant liquid like Freon.
The liquid is pressurised by the compressor and while it takes the heat from the air it vaporises in the growth valve and the 'hot ' gas is circulated thru a series of tubes to disperse the heat and in the act the Freon gets cold. By now it is clear that the most vital component, in the rather complex layout verbally explained above, is the compressor which is like the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. At first cold Freon is passed thru metal tubes to the dash area in your car to the 'evaporator zone'.
This where the heat must be removed from and has an 'evaporator core ' resembling a miniature radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the single difference being there's no coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold unlike the radiator which is always hot. A little fan or blower, which is controlled for its speed and volume of air delivery from your cabin, fitted behind the evaporator blows the air thru the evaporator griddles and into your cabin. Freon soaks up the heat from the cabin with the help of the 'condenser ' fitted in the front next to the radiator.
Freon circulating back from the cabin carries the heat thru rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminium and Freon is forced through fine slits while the electrical cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser removes the heat. The cycle is repeated continuously so that the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your car air conditioner works and what its major parts are, it'll be interesting to see what all most likely could go bad and the way to remedy them. Some of the most common of such Problems include:
- Low or total shortage of air flow across the condenser- this may be due to Problems with the electric cooling fan. Check to see if this is turning (in models with fan blades visible) or if unsure you must call your technician
- Low Freon level - this is going to be doubted if the cooling potency is low i.e, even with the vehicle AC entirely ON there's very little cooling inside. This problem could only be attended by an authorized AC mechanic.
- AC is working in full , but cooling is poor and engine is overheating "this happens in models where there are no separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a common big fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser potency. In both cases reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you have got more heavy problems with your car.
- If the air conditioner does not begin at all check and confirm that there's blown fuse or the switch isn't disconnected while cleaning and so on. Electric connections can be regularly the guilty party, which can sometimes be found out with a little experience.
- If your automobile requires a complete change or replacement of major components like compressor, get it from the OEM and check that the refrigerant is the correct one. (R12 is being Phased Out)
It should be borne under consideration the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance known for its adverse effect on the environment due to 'ozone layer depletion'. Additionally, the substance is liable to cause injury to your skin and eyes if you try and mess with the car air conditioning system and inadvertently lets it leak. In short car air conditioners have little 'user serviceable ' parts or parts and require the help of a professional and authorized technician.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt despite everything else seemingly fine, don't desist from seeking professional help from qualified personnel. It could be opportune to mention here that old models of cars using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to continue to replenish the banned substance.
No new cars are able to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environmentally safe refrigerants as per the Montreal Custom and directives by the EPA. Some auto makers have recently started marketing retro-fit kits and when your car needs servicing or fixing of AC, check if you are still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to approved refrigerants As soon as possible.
About the Author
John Wright is referred to as an internationally circulated writer, voicing his opinion on a distinct assortment of themes, covering anything from BMW accessories to politics, religion to BMW Service. His insightful articles are available from websites world-wide.
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