Prepping Your Car's Air Conditioner For The Summer
by admin on Jul.16, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
Prepping Your Car’s Air Conditioner For The Summer
With summer right around the corner, now’s the time to make sure your vehicle’s A/C is working properly. Many motorists have noticed small problems and procrastinated while hoping the issues will correct themselves. They won’t. Whether your air conditioning system is blowing warm air or not enough volume, a mechanic will need to run a few tests in order to fix the problem.
Below, I’ll describe the things that can go wrong inside your car’s A/C and why it’s important to describe the details to your technician. I’ll also explain the difference between how your heater and air conditioner perform their respective jobs.
Explain The Problem In Detail
The most common issue is a refrigerant leak somewhere in the assembly. The leak can occur in one the hoses, near the compressor, or around the expansion valve. If the refrigerant level drops too far, the airflow’s temperature can rise or the compressor will stop working. Dirt can also wreak havoc. If enough of it accumulates, it can cause the expansion valve to fail, the refrigerant to break down, or the bearings on the compressor to stop working.
Less common, but just as problematic, are restrictions caused by dirt, debris, and other elements that collect over time. If the restriction inside the A/C is big enough, the pressure and temperature within the system will rise. That will lead to a lubrication problem which, in turn, can cause the bearings to fail and the hoses to deteriorate.
When you visit a mechanic, it’s important that you explain the details behind whatever issue you’re experiencing. Low volume might suggest a restriction while warm temperatures imply a refrigerant leak. There are standard tests that your mechanic can perform to find the issue, but describing the symptoms can provide useful direction and save time.
The Heater Versus The A/C
A lot of drivers have the impression that their car’s air conditioner works like their heater. To be sure, the two systems are similar in some respects. For example, both use a core. The heater core carries warm water which generates heat that is pumped into the vehicle’s cabin. The A/C’s evaporator core carries refrigerant which generates cold. A major difference is in how the chemical in the refrigerant cools the cabin; it absorbs the existing heat while the cold air blows through the vent.
What The Mechanic Will Do
Normally, you’ll need a trained mechanic to fix any issue you’re experiencing with your A/C. It’s unlikely that you’ll have access to the equipment necessary to find leaks or restrictions that can develop throughout the assembly.
To locate leaks, the technician will send a fluorescent dye through the entire air conditioning system. He can watch the dye’s path on his diagnostic equipment and pinpoint any leaks easily. Next, he’ll look for restrictions; if he finds them, he’ll flush them out to keep the pressure down. Your mechanic might also check the ducts to make sure there are no problems in the making.
When summer finally arrives, you’ll be happy that you took the time and made the investment to prep your car’s A/C for the warm weather.