Summer is upon us and the A/C system in your car, truck or SUV will be working overtime to keep you cool. Your automotive air conditioning system's basic design hasn’t changed much since it was originally developed, however how all the parts work together has gotten more complex. The A/C system main components are still the compressor, condenser, receiver/drier, expansion device, evaporator and hoses.
Most of today’s systems utilize R-134a refrigerant, which is a gas that works well in A/C systems due to its ability to transfer heat. By compressing the gas and having it expand (which causes it to cool), creates the cool air that comes through our air ducts and maintains a comfortable temperature inside the car. In the “old days,” when the refrigerant got low we were able to just add a little to the system and you were good to go. Today’s systems require a very precise amount of refrigerant and oil in the system to work properly. The only way to know exactly how much of a charge is in the system requires us to completely evacuate the system and then recharge it. This is where we generally have to start when you bring your car in because the A/C system is not blowing cold.
During this service the machine that removes and installs the refrigerant also performs a vacuum test to check for leaks. This is the first of several ways we inspect the system for leaks. After we recharge the system, we install some ultra-violet dye that helps to locate the source of any leaks. We also use a “sniffer” that is designed to detect refrigerant. After we service your system, we will advise you if we find any leaks in the system and what it will take to repair them.
The number one cause of A/C system issues is a low refrigerant level. The refrigerant doesn’t “wear out” and since it is a closed system, a low charge means there is a leak somewhere. It may be very small and hard to detect so occasionally when we are not able to locate a leak right away we may charge the system and send you on your way, asking you to return in a few weeks for a re-inspection.
Let Addison Auto Center help you “keep your cool” this summer. Schedule your inspection and service today.
