With the first rays of the stronger sun and rising temperatures, air conditioning in cars is used more and more often. Too often we take it for granted, until that moment when in the middle of a traffic jam, instead of the salutary cold air from the ventilation, a tepid current blows us. Regular maintenance, ideally before the start of the summer season, is not only a matter of comfort, but also of preventing expensive breakdowns and preserving the health of all passengers in the vehicle.
How does the heart of the cooling system work?
To understand the importance of maintenance, it’s helpful to know how an air conditioning system works in the first place. It is a closed circuit through which the refrigerant continuously circulates, and the whole process can be described in several steps. It all starts with the compressor, which many call the heart of the system. It compresses the refrigerant, which at that moment is in a gaseous state, raising its pressure and temperature. This hot gas then travels to the condenser, located in front of the engine’s radiator, where it cools with the help of air flow and changes to a liquid state, releasing heat in the process.
The cooled liquid under high pressure then reaches the expansion valve. Its task is to sharply reduce the pressure, which causes a drastic drop in the temperature of the coolant. The cold liquid eventually enters the evaporator, a component located inside the dashboard. The following happens here – the liquid evaporates, absorbing heat from the air in the cabin. The fan then blows this cooled air through the openings into the interior of the vehicle. The cycle is closed by returning the gas to the compressor, and the system also includes a dryer or accumulator whose role is to filter impurities and absorb any moisture.
Signs that warn that it is time for service
A system that is not working optimally often sends clear signals. If you notice that cooling takes longer than usual or the air is not cool enough, the most common cause is a lack of refrigerant. It is important to know that the coolant is not “wasted” – its deficiency almost always indicates a leak in the system. Ignoring this problem not only reduces efficiency, but also puts additional stress on the compressor, which can lead to serious and costly failure.
Another common symptom is an unpleasant smell that occurs when the air conditioner is turned on. It is the result of the accumulation of bacteria, mold and fungi on the humid evaporator and in the ventilation ducts. These microorganisms can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Also, pay attention to unusual noises, such as buzzing or scraping, which may indicate a malfunctioning compressor or a worn belt. Poor airflow, even with the fan on the strongest setting, is usually a sign of a clogged cabin filter.
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Why is regular service an investment and not an expense?
By regular servicing, which is recommended to be done at least once a year or every 15,000 kilometers, you ensure several key advantages. Above all, you maintain optimal cooling performance. A system with a sufficient amount of refrigerant and clean components works with less effort, which directly affects the reduction of fuel consumption. Namely, the compressor draws power from the engine, and if it has to work under a higher load due to lack of gas or dirt, fuel consumption increases.
Prevention is always cheaper than repair. During the service, the specialist can spot minor leaks or damages in time and repair them before they cause failure of vital parts. But the most important reason is health care. The air in the cabin can be significantly more polluted than outside. A dirty cabin filter and an uncleaned system become a breeding ground for microorganisms. The new guideline VDI 6032, developed by the Association of German Engineers, emphasizes the importance of hygienic requirements for ventilation in vehicles, emphasizing that regular filter replacement and evaporator cleaning are essential for healthy and clean air.
Professional service usually includes diagnostics, extracting old gas and oil, vacuuming the system to remove moisture, checking for leaks, and filling with the exact amount of new refrigerant and oil according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Disinfecting the ventilation ducts and replacing the cabin filter, which is the first line of defense against dust, pollen and other pollutants, is an indispensable part.