Is your car getting too hot? This guide tells you everything you need to know about how car air conditioners work, including common issues and how to fix them. Find out how to fix problems and keep your AC system in good shape so it works at its best.
If you’re driving in the summer, you need a cool, refreshing car cabin, not a nice-to-have one. But what happens if the air conditioning in your car chooses to take a trip? This long book goes into great detail about car air conditioning, so you can understand how it works, spot common issues, and stay calm on the road.
How Car AC Systems Work
A/C systems in cars work a lot like refrigerators, but on a smaller size. In simpler terms, here’s how the process works:
- In order for the system to work, a certain refrigerant has to take in heat from inside the car and send it outside.
- Most of the system is made up of the compressor. The engine powers the compressor, which raises the temperature of the refrigerant by putting pressure on it.
- The condenser is like the radiator of the cool side. Hot, high-pressure refrigerant runs through it and sends heat out into the air, just like a car’s radiator.
- Using the Expansion Valve to Drop the Pressure: The pressurised liquid refrigerant then goes through the expansion valve, which greatly lowers its pressure. The drop in pressure makes the refrigerant take in heat from the inside of the car.
- The Chilling Core: The evaporator: The cold, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the evaporator core inside the car. Air from the passenger area is blown over this core. The cool air from the refrigerant is absorbed by the air and sent out through the vents to cool things down.
- The Cycle Continues: The cooled refrigerant goes back to the generator, and the process starts all over again. This keeps the inside of the car cool.
Common Car AC Problems and Solutions
Several things could be wrong with your car’s air conditioning if it’s not cooling the inside as it should:
- Low Level of Refrigerant: This is the most common reason why cooling doesn’t work well. A skilled technician can figure out what’s wrong and charge the system.
- Compressor Problems: If the compressor isn’t working right, the coolant might not move around properly. Some signs are releasing warm air and the compressor’s clutch not engaging.
- Condenser Clogged: Buildup of debris on the condenser fins can stop airflow, which lowers the passage of heat. Cleaning should be done regularly.
- Leaking System: Leaks let refrigerant escape, which lowers the performance of the system. Leak detecting tools can help a technician find leaks and fix them.
- Electrical Problems: ACs can’t work if the wiring is bad or if electrical parts don’t work right.
Why Isn’t My Car AC Working? Diagnosing the Problem
If you’re not getting the cool pleasure you expect from your car’s AC, try these first things:
- Has the fan been set to a cool speed and the AC button been pressed? A simple mistake can sometimes be the cause!
- When you turn on the AC, do you hear the fan start up? If you hear a clicking sound, it means the compressor is working.
- Are there any obvious signs of damage to the AC parts? Check the area around the radiator for leaks, loose connections, or junk.
For a final diagnosis and repairs, you should talk to an experienced automotive technician. They can look at the problem and suggest the best way to fix it.
