A Guide to Service Car Air Conditioning

In the earlier days, having a car with an air conditioner was the privilege of luxury vehicles. But today, a car without air conditioning seems unimaginable. Unfortunately, we take the car ac for granted and think about it when there is a problem. Interestingly, the car’s AC doesn’t just cool the insides of your car; it also plays a part in safe driving by dehumidifying the car and preventing mist, especially in rainy or humid weather. 

This guide will introduce you to everything you need to know to maintain your car’s air conditioning in top condition.

The basic working of a car air conditioner

Car air conditioners, like home ACs or refrigerators, use refrigerants that convert from gas to liquid to gas to enable cooling. The car AC compressor pressurizes the refrigerant into a liquid, which increases its temperature, and pushes it into the condenser. From there, the heat is dissipated, and the cooled liquid is transferred to the evaporator, located behind the car’s dashboard, where it turns into gas. This gas then absorbs the heat from inside the car and cools the cabin. The now warm gas goes from the evaporator back to the car AC compressor and repeats the whole process. 

When does the car’s AC need a check?

Air conditioning auto parts should be checked in the following situations:

• The onset of a new season
• If there is any foul odour
• If the car was immersed in water
• Any unusual sounds
• It doesn’t cool as well as it used to
• Annually, along with the rest of the car

Servicing a car air conditioner

Depending on which of the car air conditioner parts has a fault the service expert will offer suggestions. Routine jobs are:

• Leak checks
• Sensor checks
• Filter disinfection or replacement
• Refrigerant replacement
• Replacement of any other air conditioning auto parts, if required

Car air conditioning should ideally be checked annually as part of routine vehicle checkups. The expert can advise if it is time to re-gas the AC, which typically lasts for 5 years. Such regular checks will offer increased comfort and safety while you cruise along in your favourite ride.