A poorly maintained car air-con system results in an uncomfortable drive.
Summer hasn’t arrived yet, but the temperatures are already at very uncomfortable levels.
Our car aircon systems are the respite from this oppressive heat.
But what if your car aircon doesn’t feel as cold as it used to be?
Here are 3 possible causes:
1) Your car aircon condenser unit is clogged/dirty.
If your car aircon condenser is clogged with leaves, dirty and other nasty stuff, if could be causing the warmer temperatures in your car.
The condenser unit looks like your car’s radiator, but it’s smaller and thinner.
It is typically positioned between the front grille and your radiator.
It’s job is to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant.
So if it cannot do this, your cabin is going to be warmer than you prefer.
2) The system is leaking refrigerant.
Although rare, it is quite possible that the system has sprung a leak and that the refrigerant level is now too low.
A properly functioning aircon system is a closed one.
If your mechanic tells you to pay for “topping up gas”, he is trying to fleece you. Find a trustworthy workshop.
Because if the system does indeed have a leak, he should inform you and explain how it can be fixed.
“Topping up gas” is a stop-gap measure and a waste of money.
Should I switch off the car’s air-conditioner before turning off the ignition?
3) The car aircon compressor is broken.
The aircon compressor is one of the three most important components in the system.
The other two are the condenser and evaporator.
The compressor has many functions that include removing the warm air and compressing it into a liquid (we won’t get into that here).
If it is faulty, you’re going to feel warm and humid air.
Is it harmful to immediately turn on the air-con in a hot car?
Service your car aircon to prevent problems.
Getting your car aircon serviced once a year is a good way to ensure that it is in optimal condition.
A competent workshop will easily be able clean the condenser and evaporator coils. A lot of gunk accumulates here.
You wouldn’t want to fall sick due to dirty air, right?
