Why does your car's air conditioner break down quickly in hot weather?

Car air conditioners are considered indispensable equipment to help drivers adjust the temperature in the interior compartment. As a system made up of complex components such as car air conditioner compressors, condensers, condensers, throttle valves, ... this system operates complexly and often breaks down, especially in hot weather and high temperatures.

There are many reasons why the air conditioner is damaged that the driver cannot detect and handle by himself. Therefore, if these parts are not regularly maintained, it is difficult to determine the common errors and what is the cause of rapid damage?

1. Compressor drive belt is loose

There are many reasons why car air conditioners break down quickly on hot days. The first reason that drivers need to think about is that the belt connecting the engine to the compressor is loose, leading to loss of power and not being able to cool to the required pressure, which is also the reason why the car air conditioner is not cool. Open the hood and check the belt tension. If it is too loose, you need to tighten the belt again. Or if the belt shows signs of cracking, it needs to be replaced.

2. The evaporator is too dirty, blocking the air flow.

In addition, there are also reasons such as the evaporator is too dirty, causing the air flow to be blocked, dissipating heat around, reducing the cooling efficiency. At this time, you can check the wind speed, strong or weak. To measure the cooling efficiency, you leave the engine at 1,500 rpm, set the air conditioner to the highest level. After 5 minutes, you can measure the cabin temperature and the temperature of the air blowing from the evaporator. If the temperature is high, you should check the entire air conditioning system.

3. Car radiator is covered with dirt

When the air conditioner condenser is too dirty, it will not be able to cool down. This is considered the cause of the car's air conditioner not cooling. Therefore, if it is too dirty, it should be cleaned immediately. However, it is important to note that you should never spray water too hard, because it can dent the aluminum radiator fins.

4. Clogged air filter

Turn on the car air conditioner but it is not cold or very weak - the cause may be due to the air filter of the air conditioning system being clogged. During the use of the car, too much dust sticks to the filter, forming a thick layer causing the air to be trapped in the cooling system and not be able to circulate outside.

At this time, the driver needs to clean the filter or can use a pressure air gun to clean the dust on the filter. Note, the filter needs to be cleaned periodically every month if the car often goes to dusty places.

5. Temperature sensor problem

The cause of the car's air conditioner not cooling may be due to the temperature sensor (temperature control relay) being damaged or incorrectly adjusted, affecting the cooling system. If the temperature sensor is adjusted to the wrong temperature level, it can be readjusted; if it is completely damaged, the car should be taken to a service center to receive help from technicians.

6. Air conditioner fan problem

In addition to the cooling function, the car air conditioner also has a wind blowing mode. When switching to this mode, if after a while the air conditioner does not work, it may be due to the following reasons: The circuit is broken due to long-term use; the contactor coil is damaged, causing the fan to not run; the fan motor may be short-circuited or have a shell contact.

Check all electrical circuits and electrical connections of the air conditioner with a meter for accuracy; check all capacitors inside and outside the air conditioner's connection lines with a meter; check the circuits and contacts of the air conditioner; check the insulation of the air conditioner with a meter.

7. Undercharge or overcharge

Undercharging or overcharging gas are both causes of the air conditioning system being paralyzed. When the air conditioner is low on gas, it will not be cold enough. In case of a large gas leak, the pressure will drop below normal, at this time the low pressure switch will cut off the circuit and prevent the compressor from operating.

When overcharging gas makes the machine heavier, engine power decreases and fuel consumption increases. The symptoms of overcharging gas are that the compressor turns on and off continuously, the machine runs slower and more sluggish than normal.

8. Don't wait until the air conditioner is too damaged to repair it.

Many drivers often wait until the air conditioner breaks down or is not cold before repairing it. This is one of the reasons why the lifespan and quality of the air conditioner are reduced. In particular, regular maintenance and inspection of components, especially the air conditioner, will significantly prevent problems that affect the engine.