Castlehill Car and Truck Mechanical Repairs

Car Air Conditioning is something many of us enjoy.

As we drive our cars, a great many of us, can enjoy the same comfort levels that we are accustomed to at home and at work. With the push of a button or the slide of a lever, we make the seamless transition from heating to cooling and back again without ever wondering how this change occurs. That is, unless something goes awry.

Should a major problem arise from your car air conditioner, you may encounter new terminology.

Words like “retrofit” and “alternative refrigerant” are now in your mechanics glossary. You may be given an option of “retrofitting”, as opposed to merely repairing and recharging with Freon. Retrofitting involves making the necessary changes to your system, which will allow it to use the new industry accepted, “environmentally friendly” refrigerant, R-134a.

This new refrigerant has a higher operating pressure, therefore, your system, dependant on age, may require larger or more robust parts to counter its inherent high pressure characteristics. This, in some cases, will add significantly to the final cost of the repair. And if not performed properly, may reduce cooling efficiency which equates to higher operating costs and reduced comfort.

Since the your car air conditioning is a sealed system, the refrigerant should last for years without needing a recharge. If the air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it usually indicates a leak. If a leak cannot be detected visually, a hand held leak detector can be used. Another method for detecting a leak is to insert a florescent dye into the car air conditioning system. A black light is then used to pinpoint the leaking component.

General Maintenance of your Car Air Conditioning System

Typically the most common major component to fail in a car’s AC system is the compressor or clutch. Keeping the compressor free of rust can help to extend its useful life. The most common part to develop a leak is typically the condenser. Leaks can also develop in hoses, dryer, evaporator and the accumulator.

Car Air Conditioning Smalls Musty

A musty smell from the car’s air conditioner is usually not an indication of a component failure. This offending odor is usually caused by condensation in the evaporator core housing. There are ways of getting rid of the musty smell as well as methods to prevent re-occurrence.

Leaving the Car Air Conditioning controls in the open circulation position, when the engines turned off, will allow air to pass through the evaporator housing. This is one method of eliminating and preventing a re occurrence of that musty smell.

In the cooler months we tend not to use the Car Air Conditioning however by directing the vents to the windscreen can reduce fogging and also keeps the Car Air Conditioning active keeping the gases flowing.

Winter is a great time to get your Car Air Conditioning checked by a mechanic and regased if necessary making it ready for the warmer months.

Zecs Castle Hill Mechanic can help with a your Car Air Conditioning so
call today on 02 9680 1691 or use the online form