Car Air Conditioning: What You Need to Know!

When summer comes, as a driver or passenger of a vehicle, you most certainly appreciate the air conditioning in the car. Indeed, car air conditioning offers you a comfortable and pleasant environment, especially on hot days. Discover in this article everything you need to know about car air conditioning.

Your car’s air conditioning in detail

Automotive air conditioning is a system designed to regulate the temperature and humidity inside a vehicle by using a refrigeration cycle to cool the air in the passenger compartment. So, the process begins with the compressor, often considered the heart of the system, which compresses a gaseous refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure. The hot gas is then sent to the condenser, where it is cooled by the outside air, turning into a liquid under high pressure. This liquid then passes through an expansion valve, where its pressure drops sharply, cooling it further. Then, the cooled liquid circulates through the evaporator, a heat exchanger located inside the dashboard. The hot air from the passenger compartment is blown through the evaporator, where it loses its heat to the cold refrigerant, which absorbs this heat and returns it to the compressor as a gas to start the cycle again.

The air conditioning system in a car can be controlled manually or automatically, depending on your vehicle’s configuration. Modern systems are often integrated with climate control systems that automatically adjust the interior temperature to your preferences.

For the air conditioning to function optimally, you should carry out regular maintenance at a professional garage. This includes checking the refrigerant level, replacing the cabin air filters and inspecting the belts and connections. In addition, the compressor should be used regularly, even in winter, to prevent it from seizing up.

Signs of a faulty car air conditioning

A faulty car air conditioner can quickly become a major discomfort, especially in hot weather. It is therefore important to recognize the warning signs of a malfunction to avoid costly repairs. The main ones are:

• Air not cooled enough 

One of the first signs of a problem is air blowing out of the vents that isn’t as cold as it should be. This could indicate a lack of refrigerant, a failing compressor, or a problem with the evaporator.

• Unusual noises 

Unusual noises, such as clicking or grinding, when you turn on the air conditioning often indicate a dying compressor or loose internal parts.

• Bad smells 

If the air coming out of the air conditioner smells musty or burning, this is a sign of mold in the system or overheated electrical components.

• Low airflow 

If you notice that the airflow is weak, even at maximum power, this could indicate a problem with the fan, a clogged cabin air filter, or blocked ducts.

• Refrigerant leaks 

Oil stains under the vehicle or greasy liquid around the air conditioning components indicate a refrigerant leak, which will affect cooling capacity.

Do you want to service your car’s air conditioning? Do you want to check that your car’s air conditioning is in perfect working order? Make an appointment with the professionals at Pneus Groupe Unik in Dorval. They offer you quality service at a competitive price for your car’s air conditioning.