Air conditioning used to be a big treat, but now most cars come with it as standard. Modern car air conditioning systems are best serviced by professionals, but you can get the most out of your system if you understand how it works and what problems you should look out for.
- Bacteria may be to blame for strange smells coming from the air conditioner.
As your car gets older or if you don't use the air conditioner very often, bacteria, microorganisms, mould, and fungi may start to grow on the evaporator, just behind the dash panel. This can cause very bad smells. Some people even say that this can cause headaches and other flu-like symptoms. This is sometimes called "sick car syndrome."
This problem can be fixed with an anti-bacterial treatment that kills the bacteria growth and makes your car smell fresh again.
- If your car doesn't feel cold enough, your system may need to be recharged.
If your car doesn't feel as cold as your friend's, you may need to have your system checked. Most manufacturers' maintenance schedules don't cover the air conditioning system in your car, and the refrigerant gas that runs the system gets used up over time. Most vehicles lose up to 15% per year, on average. When the system is not used during the winter, this leakage can happen. So, the small "O" ring seals could dry out, which would make the system work less well over time. If this keeps going on, the system will stop working at some point.
Most of these kinds of problems can be fixed quickly and easily by checking for leaks in your system and then refilling all of your air conditioning refrigerant. This is sometimes called a "re-gas."
Running your air conditioner all year will help keep it in good shape.
Running the air conditioner in the winter will help keep the system well-oiled and free of leaks. This is because the oil that keeps the system and, most importantly, the compressor running smoothly is in the refrigerant. It also keeps the seals and hoses wet, so they don't dry out and crack, which can cause leaks.
- If the air conditioner is making strange noises, it needs to be fixed right away.
If your air conditioner starts making noises you haven't heard before, you should have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist check it out.
Some noises could be signs that a compressor is about to break down (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).
The compressor is usually the most expensive part of the system, costing anywhere from GBP230 to GBP600 or more. If the bearings in your compressor break or the compressor freezes up, metal particles can get into other parts. Then, the system would need to be flushed and the compressor, the receiver/drier, and the expansion valve would need to be replaced. This would be a very expensive fix.
- Don't worry if there's a pool of water under your car after you use the air conditioner.
Don't be worried if you see a puddle of water on the ground, which is usually under the passenger area. This is a normal part of the system, as it is just water dripping from the evaporator of the air conditioner. The evaporator is equipped with a drain tube that lets the condensation drain away from the car.
- It's easy to fix a car with too much moisture inside.
Condensation can build up inside your evaporator if the drain tube from the evaporator gets clogged or comes loose. If this happens, water will just build up inside your car until you have damp carpets or problems with misting or high humidity. Service that doesn't cost much can fix these problems.
- Get your air conditioner serviced often, even if there aren't any obvious problems.
Just like the other parts of your car, the air conditioning system needs to be checked and fixed every so often. If the compressor doesn't have oil, it will stop working. The filter gathers dust and water. If the filter gets clogged, the system won't work as well and might even stop working altogether (probably when you need it the most!).
Most of the time, a car's air conditioning system needs to have all of its refrigerant gas refilled every two to three years for the first four years after it was made.
The compressor and other important parts of your car's air conditioning system won't break down if you get it serviced once a year. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and keep you cool and comfortable in the summer.
