One of the most neglected systems of any vehicle is the air conditioning system. You may not realize it but using the A/C while driving significantly reduces your fuel consumption on the highway. Heat and lots of moisture from the surrounding air in the car is removed through the use of energy and this consumes more fuel in the car because of the added engine load.
So if fuel economy is among your top priorities on the road, you better keep your vehicle air conditioning on check.
But how does your A/C really work in saving fuel?
Well, let us first dive into understanding the A/C and its main components including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator which all contribute to the cooling and are also the parts that need checkup at the nearest car aircon service shop like the IT Garage.
Vehicle Car Airconditioning System Main Components and Processes
1. The Compressor
Refrigerant, in low pressure and gaseous form, is drawn into the compressor; the compressor does what it does best and compresses the gas once it is inside the car’s pump. The belt, which is connected to the engine’s crankshaft, drives the car pump, which translates to putting the gas under-pressure and forcing it out to the condenser.
2. The Condenser
The condenser acts like a radiator in your car and serves more or less the same purpose that is, radiate heat out your car. The refrigerant leaves the compressor as a pressurized-gas and enters the condenser. There is air moving around the
There is air moving around the twisting-tubes of the condenser and its main function is to cool down the refrigerant turning it into liquid as there was heat created during the pressurizing process.
3. Evaporator
This, in most motor vehicles, is usually located on the passenger side of the car and is also known as the evaporator core and depending on the manufacturer of the car there are usually two of this strategically placed under the instrument panel.
Not only do they look like but also act like the radiators in the car just a bit smaller in size and made out of aluminum. Now as we know, heat travels from a warmer area to a cooler area as is the law of nature. Cold air circulates in the car by action of the car blower-fan inside the passenger-compartment pushing air over onto the very outside of the car evaporator but for all this to take place the refrigerant which is cold and at low pressure has to be moved into the evaporator, vaporizing and absorbing heat from the surrounding air in the passenger compartment.
Just like any other mechanical part of the car, this system is not immune to wear and tear and definitely not damages. It may break down and may at one point need professional servicing or repair. There a couple of red flags to look out for when it comes that might suggest that it’s time to have it professionally inspected and repaired or replaced.
But how do you when to drive your car to the nearest car aircon service shop?
Here are tell-tale signs to help you determine the right timing:
3 Signs That Your Vehicle Air Conditioning Needs Repair
1. Aircon Doesn’t Seem to Cool Anymore
The most obvious symptom that a vehicles air conditioning might have issues is that there will be a noticeable loss in the overall cooling capability of the AC system. You may notice that the air is not blowing as cold as it was before or is not blowing cold air at all. It may also not offer the right temperatures which you require in the car.
2. The A/C Starts Making Strange Noises
Strange noises coming from under your hood is always a cause for alarm. When you turn on your A/C, you should hear the fan blowing cool air, but if you hear a banging or rattling sound, something is wrong. These noises could be directly related to your air conditioning system. Grinding or grating sounds might signal a problem with your car’s fan.
Or, if you hear a squealing noise or any other high pitch tone, there could be a problem with your belts. In either case, it’s important to get it checked out before your air conditioner goes out completely.
3. Bad Smell Comes Out of the Air Vents
If you notice a bad smell when you turn on your A/C, your system may be failing. That bad smell may indicate that mold is growing inside the system. This problem cannot be ignored because breathing in mold is not safe for humans and could cause allergic reactions and other breathing-related problems.
Conclusion
If you have a new car, your free services should include aircon checkup so take advantage of it and have your aircon checked at least once a year. It is greatly uncomfortable to drive without the aircon not only during the summer season but also on the rainy days when moist would build up at the windshield, making it difficult to see the road.
After the free checks from your dealer, you can schedule checkups with specialists in car air conditioning services like the IT Garage when you observe the three signs we mentioned above. Vehicle air conditioning is a sealed system so you should only have it repaired when you see it malfunctioning.
But if you have any further questions or explanations you may require we are happy to be of service. IT Garage prides itself in providing expert car repair services to car owners in Inverness. So when you need your air conditioner repaired, give us a call and we can schedule your visit.
