Air-conditioning Maintenance Guide
Because we live in a temperate climate, there are often long stretches of time where you feel you do not need to use your car’s Air Conditioning. This is often where problems start…..
​
Even during the Winter months, it is a good idea to run your Air Conditioning System for at least a few minutes each week, this will help to keep the system lubricated and all the parts running smoothly.
​
It will also help to clear fog off the windows, and, at the same time, you will be helping to preserve the system for when you need it the most.
​
One of the most common causes of Air Conditioning problems is a lack of refrigerant; it is a good idea to head off this problem before it occurs. Have your car’s Air Conditioning System serviced every 2 years. It will state this in your car manufacturers service guide.
​
Over time a buildup of moisture can occur in the system and this mixed with the gas can turn acidic and cause corrosion to the pipes and O-rings.
​
Regular maintenance is an ideal way to head off all these costly problems with your Air Conditioning.
​
A healthy serviced AC system will:
-
Improve fuel economy
-
Keep the cabin feeling fresh, dry and cool
-
Demist windows quickly
-
Be less likely to leak and need expensive repairs!
​
How it all works....
A car air conditioning system works by taking in hot air from inside the car, passing it through a refrigerant, which absorbs the heat and cools the air. The cooled air is then blown back into the car, providing a comfortable temperature for the occupants. The refrigerant cycles through the system, changing from a gas to a liquid and back again, absorbing and releasing heat along the way. This process is facilitated by components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator and dryer.
Compressor
The compressor (aka the heart) in a car air conditioning system pressurises and circulates the refrigerant, compressing it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas before it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid.
Condenser
The condenser (looks like radiator) in a car air conditioning system cools the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas, causing it to condense into a liquid form, ready to be circulated back through the system.
