Your car's air conditioning system has an important part to play in keeping you cool and comfortable as you drive.
From dehumidifying and filtering the air to providing ventilation, this useful system needs to be maintained if you want to maximise fuel economy and stay safe on the road.
Read on and learn how the AC in your car works, why your car’s air con might be failing and when to book an air con regas.
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What Is Air Conditioning in a Car?
The air conditioning system in your car lets you cool your vehicle’s interior and helps to filter out pollen and pollutants from the air.
Also known as AC or air con, air conditioning now comes as standard for most newly produced cars.
Even so, the concept of air conditioning in cars was first developed way back in the 1930s!
To keep the system running optimally, air con requires a regas every 2 years – or sooner if you use it more often.
How Does Car Air Conditioning Work?
The air conditioning system in your car is made up of several vital parts:
- Refrigerant (gas)
- Compressor (contains refrigerant)
- Condenser
- Receiver
- Thermal expansion valve
- Evaporation coils
The compressor in your car’s air con system requires regular refilling with a refrigerant gas.
When the air con is switched on, the gas will travel to a condenser.
This allows fresh air from outside of the vehicle to pass over the condenser, resulting in a quick drop in temperature as the refrigerant liquifies.
A drier then removes any impurities from the air whilst in liquid form before reaching a thermal expansion valve.
This limits the flow of liquid, giving the driver full control over the temperature inside the car.
The liquid is converted into vapour as it travels through the evaporation coils and is then blown into the cabin as cool air.
Simultaneously, the refrigerant in gas form once more will return to the compressor where the process can begin again.
Is My Air Conditioning Failing?
Your car may be suffering from air conditioning failure if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Your air con smells bad
- The system won’t turn on
- The AC is blowing hot air
Your air con system may have a leak, a blockage or require a regas if you notice such issues.
Without having your air con system inspected by a trained technician, it will be difficult to know how to fix the issue.
Why Is My Car Air Conditioning Not Blowing Cold Air?
If your air con system is no longer blowing cold air, then your vehicle may need an air con regas.
Your air con condenser could be blocked or damaged or you may have a refrigerant leak.
Alternatively, the issue could relate to the filter, cooling fan or radiator.
Whatever the cause, a skilled technician will be able to fix the issue with your car’s AC for you.
How Important Is Air Con in a Car?
The air conditioning system in your car can help keep you comfortable on even the hottest days and improves the air quality inside the cabin.
Your car's air con is especially important for helping you avoid drowsiness whilst driving by keeping you cool.
If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, you'll be glad your car's air con is there to filter out any pollen, dust and pollutants.
Not to mention that the AC in your car can reduce mist on the windscreen and increase the chances of your vehicle having a higher resale value.
For all these reasons and more, it is essential that you take good care of your car's air con system - all year round.
Do I Need to Book an Air Con Regas?
Booking an air conditioning service or regas when required can help you prevent the need for expensive repairs later down the line.
When your air con coolant is low, the system will have to work harder to cool the air in your vehicle’s interior – and will use more fuel as a result.
A timely air con regas can help to stop the compressor from overheating.
This can help you extend your AC's lifespan and prevent existing air con issues from worsening.
You could even reduce fuel consumption and emissions levels by maintaining your car's air conditioning system well.
