Let’s talk A/C
Lets Talk – A/C Video from The Auto Station
Ever wondered about your A/C in the car? I have!
Safety feature
The A/C is one of these features that I often thought of as a wonderful luxury and never as a safety feature. And the more I am learning about cars I am realising how important a feature it is.
Combats driver fatigue from overheated vehicles
Defogs the windshields – increased visibility
How it works
Turn the A/C on and the compressor compresses the system’s refrigerant (Freon) raising its temperature. It loses heat as it flows through the condenser. Next it passes through the receiver/dryer where contaminants and moisture are removed, and then on to the expansion valve/accumulator where the refrigerant is slowed down further, causing it to lose pressure and temperature before it gets to the evaporator. The evaporator further lowers the refrigerants temperature and, additionally, removes moisture from the air. The ventilation system’s blower motor blows air over the cold evaporator and pushes cool air into the passenger compartment. Complicated, but so refreshing!
Maintenance
The refrigerant has also an oil added to keep the valves lubricated. So if you are not using the A/C the valves and seals can become brittle and deteriorate.
“Use it or lose it”
In winter use your defog to use your A/C system
Signs of Problems
If you notice your A/C system is not quite cooling the way it used to, have your system inspected. In most cases your vehicle will be low on Freon. This might indicate there is a leak in the system. This can be a small leak that needs attention or possibly the start of your A/C system failing. Bring it in and we’ll perform an A/C Performance Check that will get to the root of the problem.
Contact
Give us a Call or email at info@theautostation.ca
