Although many see it as a comfort item, a proper air conditioning system is crucial not only for comfort, but also for safety, as it helps maintain the driver’s concentration during the summer heat and is essential for quick demisting of the windows in wet, winter conditions. However, as vehicles become more technologically advanced, so do their air conditioning systems, making them more susceptible to malfunctions that are often neither cheap nor easy to fix. Understanding the anatomy of the problem can save you time, money and frustration.
The most common causes of breakdowns
Although it may seem that the system has stopped working suddenly, car air conditioning malfunctions are most often the result of the gradual deterioration of one of the key components. The absolute most common culprit that causes drivers to run out of cooling is refrigerant leakage. The air conditioning system is a closed circuit under pressure, and even minimal gas loss, often caused by porous rubber hoses, worn seals that can dry out due to the system not being used during the winter, or corrosion at the joints, drastically reduces its efficiency. An annual loss of three to eight percent of gas is considered normal, but anything above that indicates a problem that requires immediate repair.
If the system has enough gas, but still does not cool, suspicion often falls on compressorthe heart of the entire system. Its task is to pressurize and circulate the refrigerant, and its failure means complete cooling paralysis. Compressor problems are most often manifested by loud rattling or scraping when the air conditioner is turned on, and are caused by mechanical wear after eight to ten years of operation, lack of oil due to gas leaks, or electrical faults in the clutch. It is right next to the compressor in terms of importance capacitorlocated on the front of the vehicle, whose function is to cool the gas. Due to its exposure, it is often damaged by stones or clogged with dirt and insects, which prevents the release of heat. The problem can also lie in the condenser fan, and a sure sign that it has failed is a situation in which the air conditioner cools only while driving, but not while standing at a traffic light.
In modern vehicles, the air conditioning system relies on a whole series of sensors, relays and fuses. Sometimes the cause of the malfunction is as simple as a blown fuse, but diagnostics can be complex. A failure of the pressure or temperature sensor can send wrong information to the control unit, which for safety reasons will not allow the compressor to start.
Symptoms you should not ignore
Your car will almost always signal to you in advance that something is wrong with the air conditioning system. The clearest sign in summer is, of course, poor or no cooling, but an equally important indicator of the problem in winter is slow or inefficient windshield defogging. There are other, more subtle symptoms that occur regardless of the season. Unusual noises, such as screeching, whistling or clicking that occur only when the air conditioner is on, often indicate problems with the compressor or its belt.
An unpleasant smell of moisture or mold coming from the ventilation openings, which is often more intense after winter non-use, is a clear sign of the accumulation of bacteria and fungi on the evaporator or a clogged cabin filter. If you notice greasy marks around the pipe joints under the hood or under the car, it is probably an oil leak that circulates with the coolant.
Repair prices
Whether you noticed the problem due to lack of cooling in the summer or ineffective defogging in the winter, air conditioning repair costs can range from nominal to amounts that exceed the value of older vehicles. The most favorable procedure is to replenish the system with refrigerant, which, depending on the type of gas, ranges from 40 euros for the older gas R134a to 150 euros, and even more, for the newer and more environmentally friendly R1234yf used in newer cars. Before filling, service technicians are legally required to check the system for permeability, and diagnosis and repair of leaks can cost from 50 to several hundred euros.
Replacing the capacitor usually costs between 200 and 600 euros, depending on the vehicle model. The absolute most expensive failure is compressor failure. The price of a new original compressor for newer vehicles, together with the operation and flushing of the entire system, can easily exceed 1,000 euros. A more favorable alternative is repaired or replacement compressors, but even then it is a significant expense.
Prevention is the best medicine
Experts agree that about 80 percent of costly breakdowns could be avoided with regular maintenance. It is recommended to service the air conditioner at least once a year, ideally in spring, before the onset of summer heat. During the service, the technician will check the system pressure, recycle the old gas, vacuum the system to remove moisture, and add new oil and the correct amount of gas.
Regular disinfection of the system is essential for passenger health, and replacing the cabin filter every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers will ensure clean air in the cabin. A simple trick to extend the life of the system is to turn on the air conditioner for a few minutes at least once a week, even in winter. This ensures the lubrication of the seals and prevents them from drying out, and at the same time helps to maintain dry air in the cabin and prevent fogging of the windows.