Air conditioner

AIR CONDITIONING: automobiles, heavy goods vehicles, tractors, public works

What could be more pleasant than fresh air circulating throughout the interior of your vehicle, in summer or during high temperatures. Air conditioning is one of the options that is difficult to part with. Most current vehicles have this. The system is practically the same on all vehicles, only the parts may be different.

Air conditioning an essential option

Air conditioning is an option that was previously only available on one category of car. However, given its practical usefulness, it is today available on all brands. It is a system which is made up of several parts and electrical or electronic elements. We generally find in an air conditioning system, a compressor, a condenser, a desiccant filter, and a vaporizer. However, there are more advanced models which can be hung on the roof, for trucks and other transport vehicles.

Operation of the air conditioning system

The air conditioning system works using refrigerant liquid in general, it is the most essential accessory. However, this refrigerant liquid will undergo several stages before it can be released into the vehicle. A heat pump will absorb the ambient air, next to it the compressor is activated and draws in lubricating gas, to compress and heat it. The condenser will subsequently cool the gas and create steam. The whole is then dried and filtered by the desiccant bottle, the evaporator will then distribute the air throughout the vehicle's interior. Fresh, clean air is then distributed throughout the vehicle.

Advantage and disadvantage of air conditioning

Long-term use of air conditioning is not recommended. It is best to activate it only during periods of high heat. The air conditioning offers real driving comfort, and also serves to dissipate the mist on the windshield. Besides its disadvantages which increase the fuel consumption of the vehicle, air conditioning is essential in case of high temperature in order to avoid drowsiness. However, the air conditioning must be checked regularly,to ensure fresh and safe air.

Air conditioning maintenance

The entire air conditioning mechanism must be subject to regular maintenance. First of all, you must remember to refill the desiccant bottle with refrigerant gas. The air conditioning must be operated regularly for at least 10 minutes every month, even in winter, so that the system does not block. Parts should be checked from time to time and maintained well, remember to change the refrigerant oil sometimes. To make the system last longer, avoid placing your vehicle in direct sunlight.

Signs of air conditioning system failure

There are several signs that can be detected to protect you from any system failures. The most common signs are:

- the air is no longer fresh as usual (between 8 to 12° C) and takes time to cool the entire cabin.

- when turning on the air conditioning, a squeaking sound is emitted or a sound that is not usual. These may be the key parts of air conditioning (compressor, condenser which will fail)

- if you have mist that settles on the windshield when it is turned on, the dehydrator is no longer fulfilling its role

- There are other signs that the air conditioning is failing (leak, fuel smell, etc.).

As the air conditioning system is quite complex, you must call a professional for maintenance. Some of the parts are difficult to access, you will need to be able to dismantle certain parts and place them correctly so that there are no leaks and false contacts.