Preparing Your Car’s AC For The Summer Months

Posted on May 8, 2017

Mechanic in Nashua from Gurney's AutomotiveAs the summer months approach, having your vehicle ready for the heat is key to making sure that you can get to your destination in comfort. Spring is the perfect time to make sure that your windows, AC, and any other needs work in your car. The AC is especially useful when heatwaves kick in. A mechanic in Nashua can help with any of your AC needs for the summer. When you have trouble with your AC, it could be from multiple things.

It is important to note that your car AC is made up of three different parts. These three sections are:

  • Condenser
  • Compressor
  • Evaporator

 

Autobytel explains these components by comparing the condenser and the evaporator to two radiators connected inside of your car to form a loop. The compressor is between these two items on a single side of the circle. Your AC unit is an enclosed, all-in-one unit. The parts stay contained inside the unit and work with your car to cool you down.

When you turn on your AC, the compressor takes the refrigerant that from the storage tank. It then compresses this fluid to the condenser. The capacitor sends any heat from the compressed fluid outside of the car, cooling the air. The liquid refrigerant then moves to the evaporator, which is inside the passenger compartment. The liquid then expands further, removing any heat and cooling the evaporator. The fan then kicks up and directs the air over the evaporator. As it does this, the air cools and comes out of your air vents.

Since it is a mechanical piece of your vehicle, it is important to remember that things can go wrong with the AC unit. The last thing you want is to meet a 90-degree day with no AC. Some common issues with the AC unit are that it blows little air or no air at all. These are common, but a concern that you should have your mechanic in Nashua check out.

There are many reasons why your AC blows out low air. One of the most common signs is low refrigerant. It gets fixed by refilling your car. Some other reasons the AC could be blowing little air are:

  • Loose drive belt
  • Clogged system
  • Leak in the system

 

A leak in the system is especially worrying, as it is an entirely closed in a system. It signifies there is something seriously wrong and there is probably a crack within the unit itself.

When your unit blows no air, there are a few more instances that could be the culprit. Clogs, leaks, and a blown a fuse can easily disrupt the way that the AC works. A few other things to look for when you talk to the mechanic are:

  • Loose or broken drive belt
  • Inoperative compressor or slipping clutch
  • Defective expansion valve

 

Even if you do get air, but do not feel as though it is cooling as it should, it is best to have it checked out. Many things cause issues with your AC unit, and a professional mechanic in Nashua at Gurney’s Automotive can fix it up in a flash.

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