Caring For Your Car Air Conditioning

Air Conditioners, including that fitted in your automobiles, are engineered to remove undesired ‘heat ‘ from within, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants. Every 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 vaporizes in the expansion valve and the ‘hot ‘ gas is circulated through a series of tubes to diffuse the heat and in the process the Freon gets cold. By this time it is clear that the most vital part, in the rather complex layout verbally listed above, is the compressor which is like the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. At first cold Freon is passed through metal tubes to the dash area in your vehicle to the ‘evaporator zone’.

This where the heat must be removed from and has an ‘evaporator core ‘ looking rather like a small radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the sole difference being there isn’t any coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold unlike the radiator which is always hot. A small fan or blower, which is controlled for its speed and volume of air delivery from your cabin, fitted behind the evaporator blows the air through the evaporator griddles and into your cabin. Freon absorbs the heat from the cabin with the aid of the ‘condenser ‘ fitted in the front next to the radiator.

Freon circulating back from the cabin carries the heat through rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminum and Freon is forced thru fine slits while the electric cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser removes the heat. The cycle is repeated steadily so that the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.

After having been familiarized with how your automobile air conditioner works and what its major components are, it is going to be engaging to see what all most likely could go bad and how to cure them. Some of the most typical of such Problems include:

• Low or total absence of air flow across the condenser- this is going to be due to Problems with the electric cooling fan. Check to determine if this is turning (in models with fan blades visible) or if undecided you must call your engineer
• Low Freon level – this should be doubted if the cooling potency is low i.e, even with the vehicle AC fully ON there’s very small cooling within. This problem could only be attended by a licensed AC technician.
• AC is working in full , but cooling is poor and engine is overheating “this occurs in models where there are no separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a typical giant fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser efficiency. In all cases reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you’ve more heavy problems with your car.
• If the air conditioner does not begin at all check and confirm that there is blown fuse or the switch isn’t disconnected while cleaning and so on. Electric connections can be regularly the guilty party, which can often be found out with a little experience.
• If your car requires a complete change or replacing of major parts like compressor, get it from the OEM and check that the refrigerant is the right one. (R12 is being PHASED OUT)

It should be borne in mind that the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance renowned for its harmful impact 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 tamper with the auto air conditioning system and accidentally lets it leak. In short auto air conditioners have very little ‘user serviceable ‘ parts or elements and need the assistance of a certified and certified technician.

Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt despite the rest reputedly fine, do not desist from seeking pro help from qualified personnel. It may be opportune to say here that old models of vehicles using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to restore the banned substance.

No new autos are permitted to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environmentally safe refrigerants as laid out in the Montreal Protocol and directives by the EPA. Some auto makers have already started promoting retro-fit kits and if and when your vehicle needs servicing or repair of AC, check if you are still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to authorized refrigerants A.S.A.P.

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.