Air Conditioning

The functions of air conditioning.

The air conditioning doesn’t only cool down the air in your car, it also reduces humidity. When the system fails, not only are you driving in a hot car, but you may not be able to clear condensation from the inside of your windshield during rainy weather.

Combined with the ventilation and heating, the automotive air conditioning system is a complex network of parts. For the A/C to function, the refrigerant fluid (Freon) is blended with a special oil that changes it from a liquid to a gas in just a few moments to cool down the passenger compartment.

In newer car models, conventional R134 and R22 refrigerants are replaced by more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerants. It’s important to remember that the air conditioning system in your car works throughout the year and not just in the summer!

What are the signs indicating a faulty Air Conditioning?

There are several signs your air conditioning system is not performing at its peak and that it’s time for a trip to your local NAPA AUTOPRO centre: • A lack of freshness • Strange noise • Odours • Excess moisture • Oil or refrigerant leaks

If refrigerant leaks out, the lubricant can’t work properly, which can damage the compressor, the most expensive part of the system. Similarly, loud noises, like a grinding or a squealing sound while the A/C is running, can also be a sign of a compressor failure.

How often do you need to maintain your air conditioning?

Lack of refrigerant is the main cause of air conditioning problems. Recharging the A/C system with refrigerant protects the components and keeps the system operating at peak efficiency. Recharging the A/C system with refrigerant protects the components and keeps the system operating at peak efficiency.

For this reason, and to avoid costly air conditioning repairs, it’s important to inspect the system regularly to make sure it’s properly sealed. At NAPA AUTOPRO Service Centre South Surrey, we recharge A/C systems using R134 and R22 refrigerants as well as R1234yf refrigerants found in newer car models. Learn more about the air conditioning system from our NAPA AUTOPRO experts in the video below: