Air conditioning for cars allows the car to have a good atmosphere in which the driver and passengers are comfortable. Now as much all air conditioners work the same way you need to know that when you turn on the one in your car, the number of miles will be affected.
Air conditioning like it says ‘conditions’ the air. It not only cools it down, but also reduces the moisture content, or humidity. All air conditioners work the same way whether they are installed in a building, or in a car. The fridge or freezer is in a way an air conditioner as well. Air conditioning is a field in it’s own right, but we’ll stick to the main points or a car’s air conditioning and the main parts used and a few hints to keep the air-con system running properly.
A number of people don’t realise that turning on the air conditioning actually reduces the number of miles per gallon of your car. There is energy used in removing the heat and moisture from the air in the car, and this consumes petrol because of the extra engine load.
Sourced from: http://www.airconcars.com/html/how_it_works.html
It’s a hot afternoon and you are all sweaty in the car and you cannot have a firm grip on the steering. Such is the scenario of a car that does not have conditioning. You need to do something fast and that is get an AC or if it is there then there is something wrong with it and therefore you will need to check out for the signs just to be sure.
Cool But Not Cold
If the air conditioning is set to max cool and fans on high, but is only blowing moderately cool air.
Check to see that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are running when the air conditioning is on.
Look for any restrictions like leaves, bugs or dirt that would keep air from passing over the condenser.
Check the cabin air filter to ensure that it is not clogged.
Compressor
When diagnosing an air conditioning issue, it’s easiest to begin at the compressor.
With the engine running turn the A/C on max cool, set fans high, and make sure that the clutch is engaging on the compressor.
Note: this is not the pulley, but the center piece that engages the pulley to the compressor shaft. If the clutch is engaging and disengaging rapidly, the refrigerant may be low.
If the clutch is not engaging, use a voltmeter to check for voltage getting to the compressor.
If there is voltage – the clutch may be bad.
Sourced from: http://www.autozone.com/landing/page.jsp?name=diagnose-auto-ac-problem
Do not wait for the unexpected to happen with your AC. You should be maintain it so that it can give you long and effective service. It is quite cheap to maintain the conditioner than having to buy a new one and the fact that you can do it all by yourself makes it all easier.
Run the air conditioner once a week for about ten minutes. This will maintain gas pressure to keep the compressor working properly. When you do this, be sure to turn it to its highest fan speed and coolest setting.
Run defrost mode for about five to ten minutes. This prevents mildew and cleans out excessive moisture, which can lead to unsavory odors in your car.
Use your air conditioner in winter. In addition to cooling your vehicle, one of the air conditioner’s primary functions is to remove humidity from the cabin. It works especially well when you need to remove fog from the windshield to improve visibility.
Re-charge your air conditioning system. Every two years refresh the cooling system with gas and lubricant.
Sourced from: http://www.levintirecenter.com/five-tips-for-maintaining-your-cars-air-conditioning-system.html
